PS 635 

Z9 
B127 
Copy 1 



^1 



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'TiriyO 



A KING'S FAVORITE 



A COMEDY 



IN 



THREE ACTS 



BY 



DOLORES MARBOURG BACON 



COPYRIGHTED I902 
BY 

Dolores Marbourg Bacon 

AND 

Thomas W. Broadhurst 



THT'LIISRARV OF 

OONQRESS. 
Two Coww Rtcc(vec 

AUS. S ' 1902 

|at.A3S(^XXa No. 
COPY 8. 



CHARACTERS 






German Cottncillor 

- German Councillor 

German Councillor 

Baron Hochsteim's Cook 

The Baron's Pot Boy 

Baron's Forester 



BARON HOCHSTEIM, 
HERR WITTHOLD, 
HERR JOHANN EISNER, - 
DAMER, - - - 

KARL, - - - - 

HANS SCHA US, - 

COUNTS FLO R TEN, DE GUICHE, 

DESCHENEL, DE LACROIX 
MON. NEPIER, _-_--. 

DUKE DE METIERE, ...... 

MARQUIS DETREVILLE, _ . - . 

DANCING MASTER, --..._ 

HERR WASSERMAN, 

PRINCESS DU VALLON, 

MA DAM MAR VINGT, 

'kRA\U \jbHANNA EISNER, 

ELSPETH, 

'cdlC/i^t^SS [JUUE pE\SO UBISE, 

Courtiers, Ladies in Waiting, Etc, 



Clerk of German Council 



Wife of Councillor 
Kitchen Wench of Baron 



TMP92-0086C8 



ACT I. 

Time : L^te Afternoon': \ 

PLACK : An Ante-Room in the Palace of Louis XVI. 

STAGE:^ 

Architecture after the manner of the Period, Wide entrance C. 
Narrow entrance diagonally across R. U. Small door R. 2. Small 
candelabra on Table L. U. Chair by fire and seat against wall at R, of 
fire. Table and high-backed chairs about it down R. Table top is a 
chess board. Fourth chair pushed back nearly against the wall at R. of 
small door. Furniture against zuall and the room has a half formal air. 
The stage to have a flat appearance. Room serves as lounging place for 
the Court when in attendance on the King. Large ^ bare space formed at 
L. U., between fire-place and angle of the zuall. Counts Deschenel and 
de Lacroix seated at chess table, Deschenel at L. end and de Lacroix at 
R. Metier e is watching game seated at back of table and leaning forxvard. 
Florien and Nepier are at fire-place speaking together and indolently 
tuatching the game <ind joining conversation across stage. 



ACT L 

'Dnscu.—(Apa7i to Del.) Check. {to Florien) He dis- 
appeared like a thief in the night. 

Fi,OR. — Why not say that he folded his wings like an angel 
and — (all laicgh). 

Met. — No, no, Deschenel's phrase is better applied to de 
Guiche. 

Del. — Now if de Guiche could know the solicitude felt by his 
friends (laugh again). I warn you not to let your tongues run 
thus in the presence of the Princess Du Vallon. 

Desch. — She would not be wounded. When there is an 
alliance between de Guiche and the Princess it is for war — not 
love. 

Fi,OR. — I'll swear 'tis not for love, unless Her Highness has 
.two hearts. I'll swear that de Treville occupies all the space of 
one. 

Dei*. — {Stop playing chess and attend to Florien'' s speech.) 
Riglft, Florien. But if de Guiche has gone on a secret mission 
for the Princess, as it is whispered, by whom then is de Guiche 's 
heart occupied ? I confess I'm curious. 

Desch.— ^Play, de Lacroix. I'll satisfy your curiosity, and 
checkmate you at the same time. {Moves as he speaks and Del. 
looks abstractedly at chess boards then looks up at Desch. and 
fiods and smiles. Desch. leans back with hands on ktiees to 
indicate that game is at an end. ) 

Dei,. — Well, you've done the one, — now for the other. With 
Avhom is de Guiche 's heart occupied, since he goes on secret 
missions for the Princess du Vallon. 

Desch. — With the gentle Countess Julie, neice of Richelieu, 
Queen of Hearts ! 



Fi^OR. — By heaven you are right, Deschenel. I am now 
reminded of a thousand things that— (/a ii^o-/is). Gentlemen, the 
idleness of a Court would make archangels gossip, {Crossing to 
table, all irrouping gradually at Jv.) 

Met. — And now, since we have disposed of the hearts of the 
Princess and de Guiche, what of the Countess Julie's ? 

Desch. — It keeps its own secret that none of us may lose 
hope. 

Flor. — I've noticed de Treville since — 

De Guiche. — (Enters C. hastily in traveling clothes, soDie- 
what dusty and disarranged. Pauses C. E. looking off preoccu- 
piedly, ha7td haughtily o?t sword. All turfi, showing dislike or 
ridicule of de Guiche.) 

Desch. — Ah, returned to us, safe and unharmed de Guiche, 
and from a long journe}'. (Looks at othezs quizzically while the 
others laugh.) 

De Guiche— Be the journey long or short, I see it has not 
been long enough to cure our adventurer, de Treville, of his in- 
solence. {Looking off C. ) 

D'ESCH.—(All show displeasure at de Guiche' s remark.) You 
have not been here to discipline him, Mons. de Guiche. 

De Guiche. — Well, then, now I have returned — {laughs 
sneering ly) — I'll try to protect the ladies of the Court from an 
adventurer's insolence. I met him but now without the ante- 
chamber, boring the Countess Julie de Soubise with his adven- 
tures, and I addressed him — 

Desch. — (Apart to men) Happy de Treville. 

De Guiche— No matter what I said, but what think you he 
answered ? He replied " I was a gentleman before I was a Mar- 
quis, Mons. de Guiche." And had you heard him you would have 
believed him. (Coming C. ) 

Met. — Well, and so he was. The family de Treville is of 
the best in all France. 

De Guiche — Yes, but does he belong to it ? It seems you 
like this fellow, Metiere, with his long claims — even to a German 
principality. 

Met. — Well enough ; well enough. I know of no one that 
would claim a principality quicker than you,.de Guiche, if one 
lay so close to you as de Treville 's does to him. 

De Guiche — (Haughtily, with his hand on sword.) You 
mean. Monsieur .-' 

Met. (All men in attitudes of careless interest and in- 
solence. Deschetiel's foot iti chair.) I mean that de Treville is 
the most pleasing gentleman of the Court. He claims a princi- 
pality, and what is more to the point, the Germans may grant 
these claims. If that should happen 

De Guiche — It will not happen. And if it should, this 
pleasing gentleman and favorite of Louis' Court would be an 
adventurer still. Who would believe him to be 

Desch. — We don't expect the man who would marry Julie de 
Soubise to believe in a rival. 

De Guiche — (Excitedly, again hand on sword. ) You mean 
? (All laugh loudly.) 



Met. — Our meaning is quite clear, my friend. We like de 
Treville. Will that do for you? {Me7i at fire-place cross and join 
group at table as all at table rise.) 

Flor. — {Speaks while crossitig.) May we live to say to the 
Marquis de Treville : "Health to your Highness." 

De Guiche. — You are bewildered by this charlatan's smooth 
ways. • 

Met. — I'll swear the Countess Julie is. 

De Guiche.— Gentlemen, you go too far. Who speaks the 
name of the Countess Julie 

Flor. — Should speak it gently, as we do, Monsieur de Guiche. 
(Goes R. U.) 

Desch. — {Idly moving chess-men about.) Last night, after 
the King had withdrawn, the Countess said to me : " Deschenel, 
I would give that man my eyes who would make the Marquis, 
Prince." 

Fi^OR. — {Pouring wi?ie at little table.) To the Countess 
Julie's eyes ! 

Ai,!,. — To her eyes ! {Going to table while Florien drinks. ) 

Dei<. — There are no lovelier in all France — nor clearer 
sighted. 

{De Guiche stands apart near fire,fro%ujting.) 

Flor. — {Pouring wine for all.) To the Marquis de Treville, 
May he be Prince ! May he win whom he will ! 

T)^ OxjiCHJS..— {Snapping his sword into place and facing 
men wrathfully.) Gentlemen, you shall pay for this— all. 

Fi^or. — {Rallying tone.) All at once, or one at a time ? 

De Guiche. — As you please, now if you wish it. As for the 
charlatan, de Treville, I bear here, that which — ( Tapping 
breast.) 

{Madam Marvingt enters small door R. Hesitates at 
sight of 7nen. Del, sees her first.) 

Dei.. — Madam Marvingt. {All see her. Marvingt courtesies.) 
Tell us, Madam Marvingt — he is your young gentleman — is de 
Treville a gentleman or a good actor ? Is he a charlatan or a 
Prince ? Is he rich or poor, in love with one woman or with all 
women, as he seems to be- come ? 

FiyOR.— Yes, Madam Marvingt— they say you found him. 

Marvingt. — I, a tailoress ? A good tailoress, to be sure, and 
to the Court; but yet a tailoress. Who says I found the Marquis 
de Treville ? 

Fi^OR. — Why, the Marquis himself, for one. 

Marvingt. {Softer manjier.) If the Marquis says it, then 
'tis true. 

Fi^OR. — The Marquis says more, he says you should be cos- 
tumer at the Court of Heaven. 

Marvingt. — God bless His Highness. He is generous to all. 

Met. — He is grateful to his friends. He says you saved his 
life. 

Marvingt. — {All surround her interestedly. De Guiche 
stands apart by fire angrily.) No, his youth and great strength 
did that, gentlemen. 



De Guiche. — {Sneevmgly.) I doubt not your charitable 
coals and soups had part to do with it, Madam. {De Treville 
appears R. U. E.) 

Marvingt. — {Itirtis angrily.^ For shame, Monsieur — 

DeTreville. — {Comes down, takes Marvmgts hand reve- 
rejiily and kz'sses it.) No doubt they did, Monsieur de Guiche, 
since without the coals my youth must have warmed itself at the 
fire of imagination, and my strength have fed itself, not at all. 
{Speaks gently, pleasantly and graciously.) 

Met.— Bravo ! 

De Guiche. — {Crosses insolently to De Ireville and stands 
looking at him.) You are an adventurer, sir, I SAY it. 

De Trevii,i,e. — {Softly.) If to adventure, sir, be to»love 
one's friends and to tolerate one's enemies then I am an adven- 
turer, THOUGH YOU DO SAY IT. {All shout with laughter. 
Flor. and Del. turn to each other with aniusemejit and speak in 
dumb show. ) 

De Guiche.— The Countess Julie— 

De Trevii^le.— r5/^w/y turns and looks de Guiche in the 
face, while de Guiche hesitates. Places hand gently on de 
Guiche'' s shoulder.) And while an adventurer may tolerate his 
enemies, he sometimes skewers an indiscreet man, Monsieur. 
{Suddenly tightens grasp on shoulder ajtd wrenches de Guiche 
around.) 

De Gyiqu^.— {Claps hajtd to shoulder.) You hurt me. 
{Hajid to sword.) 

De TREVII.I.E. — {Smili7ig.) No matter, I will forbear to kill 
you. 

Marvingt. — {Rushes at de Guiche with scissors.) Have at 
him, Marquis. Have at him. {De Guiche backs away. All 
shout with laughter. De Treville intervenes.) 

De Trevili^e. — Easy, good Madam Marvingt, easy. 

F1.0R.— Since he faints before Madam's scissors, he feints 
when he challenges, eh, gentlemen? 

De Trevili^e. {Gaily.) Nay, Florien. The man may 
guess where a sword may run him through, but a woman's scis- 
sors (laughs) — I blame him not. Besides Monsieur de Guiche 
has but now returned from a journey, doubtless he is much ex- 
hausted. 

De Guiche. — Its results will banish my fatigue. 

De Trevii^le. — Let us hope so. Monsieur de Guiche. 

Del. — You are generouF. 

De Guiche.— He is a coward. {Going up. All start for- 
ward and look at de Treville anxiously.) 

De Tre. — True — I — hate — to — kill— a— man. 

De Guiche. — { Wildly. ) You ^^•ill have to or be killed. 

De Tre,— (^/ table. Speaks carelessly, but is attentive.) 
Must it be now, Monsieur de Guiche ? 

De Guiche.— It cannot be too soon. {Exits hastily C. and 
turns L.) 

De Tre. — {All men come down 7?.. while Marvingt stands 
C. De Tre. back of table. Pauses thoughtfully while looking 
abstractedly at men.) I should— I— should hate— to kill a man. 



{Pause.) I will pink him just here. {Places fingers nicely jtist 
over heart.) Not an eighth of an inch below the skin. And then, 
if he insists on getting himself killed — for he is no coward, gen- 
tlemen — I will smother him with friendship. He would sooner 
be killed. {Metier e and Florien speak and laugh apart. Florie7i 
fills glass, quickly hands to de Treville.) 

Fi,OR. — To your Highness ! 

Ai^L. — {Drink.) To His Highness ! 

De Tre.— (^cw.? and laughs.) Softly, friends. Three w-orthy 
Germans are like as not to say, " To the devil with him." 

Dei.. — With w^hom lie your interests, Marquis de Treville ? 

De Tre. — Why, as you know friends, my suit lies in Germany, 
in the State of Wurtemburg, but worse than that, my fate is in the 
hands of three fellows, each as unlike the other as three men can 
well be, if I am well informed. If these men had similar tastes 
or minds I might present to them in common my plea. But each 
hates the other, and thinks whatever the other two— do not. 

Dei.. — A fine trio to reason with, 

DE Tre. — Are they, not, gentlemen? One councillor is a 
jollj' huntsman, who lives for boar and beer, they tell me ; a wild, 
ferocious fellow^ who's good at heart when once a man can find 
it. A second is a pale and mouldy bookw^orm, who reads the Latin 
poets before breakfast — and looks it. But there may be good in 
such a man. The third one has a wife. The Lord knows what 
he's like in judgment, for that good frau of his casts his votes 
for him. She promises him a pasty, they say, and tells him to 
have a care that his decisions please her. And the woman nearly 
dies of overmuch virtue. Thus, you see, gentlemen, if I would 
please these three judges, I must first of all be a roysterer and a 
pig sticker, next a scholar, as familiar with immortal lechery as 
with mortal debauchery, and finally a cook ; a cook, and able to 
commend myself to virtuous females. Should I win two of 
them, I am no better off. Unanimity must make me Prince. But 
majority may make me pauper. Now gentlemen, what chance 
think you I stand? 

Met. — None, none de Treville. A man needs be a woman to 
be these three things in one. Naught but a woman could so be 
all things to all men. 

{Julie appears at R. U. entra7tce unperceived, and 
Daticing Master appears behind her. Julie speaks to him in- 
differently in dumb show. Turns suddenly and listens to Mai"- 
vingt attejiiively.) 

Maryingt. — If they do not grant his suit, gentlemen, he is 
no less a Prince. If they grant it— he can be no more a Prince. 

De Tre. — {Julie greatly delighted starts Jorward. De 
Treville gently takes MarvingV s hand and kisses it again.) One 
subject such as thou, Madame — {Marvingt, embarrassed, ivith- 
draws hand quickly, and Marquis' hand Jails at side. Julie 
hurries down to de Treville while Marvi7igt speaks.) 

Marvingt. — Marquis when you kiss my hand I feel — 

Julie. — {Sojtiy snatches de Treville'' s hand and kisses it gaily.) 
As he does now, good Marvingt. 

De Trevili^e. — ( Withdraws hand quickly as Marvingt did 
hers and starts back.) Lady Julie. 



Julie. — {Turns instantly and disregards de Treville, who 
withdraws to extreme R., and stands with back to company 
trying to recover himself . All 7nen bow very low to Julie. Pres- 
ently de Treville turns and regards Julie passionately during 
the scetie thai follows.) Florien, I am learning that new step you 
brought from that bearish country which holds the fortunes of the 
Marquis de Treville. {Motions Dancing Master forward. Master 
takes his place L. U., and has business with fiddle, taking steps, 
etc. Julie holds hand to Florien) You will ? {Florien 
bows overhand and takes her up. Men follow .) 

Fi^ORiEN. — Countess — 

Marvingt. — {Goes C. as Julie goes up.) Countess Julie de 
Soubise — 

JuiviE.--( Turns quickly and smiles at Marvingt. ) Yes, good 
Marvingt. You come about my gown. Watch the dance. {Turns 
and dances with Florien, and speaks while dancing.) You will 
better measure the gown. It is-a-German-dance — that country 
which denies my Lord — {Looks smilingly over shoidder at Mar- 
quis, who is at extrem,e R. watching Julie passionately) — his titles 
and estates. When you cut the gown, good Marvingt, allow for 
German feet— THEY TELL ME THEY NEED ROOM. Mon- 
sieur — ( To Dancing Master. Gentlemen watch and crowd around 
while Julie and Florien dance.) 

Marvingt. — Retires toward de Treville, who all during the 
scene watches Julie passionately.) Marquis, I have news for you. 
A peasant from your Wurtemburg estates is at my shop hid. He 
conies with messages from your people. 

De T'R.'B,.— {Listening anxiously, still watching Julie.) Good 
Marvingt, you are too certain of my suit. As yet I have no 
people. 

Marvingt. — We'll call them yours till you have lost them, 
Marquis. But the messenger. You are to send him word through 
me, lest there are spies upon you. 

De Tre. — But what news brings he ? I do not know the 
people of Wurtemburg. 

Marvingt.— Nor they you. But they know the house now 
in possession and are dissatisfied. Though the case goes against 
you, he says they will revolt and stand for you, if you will but 
promise them some righteous favors. 

De Tre. — Ah, {Dividing his atteiition with Julie.) See how 
she moves there. I'd pluck my heart out for a glance of hers. 

Marvingt. — {With impatience.) You are right, Marquis, 
but you need your estates and Princely titles to offer her. And 
what of the Princess du Vallon ? 

De Tre. — ( Turning sudde?ily to Marvingt. ) Madam— 

Marvingt.— Well, well. What word shall I give the mes- 
senger? Will you join your people and take your rights by 
force if need be, or — 

De Tre.— I'd rather prove my claim and enter into my 
privileges than force my rights, and be called an adventurer, 
still — 

Marvingt.— True, but one way or another I'd be a Prince, 
Marquis. 



I>:eTkh.—(Loo^s at her and laughs and takes her hand?) 
Good Marvingt, you should have been a man. I'll see your mes- 
senger myself, when I can leave the Court without espionage, 
and we shall see— 

Marvingt. — One thing more — 

JUI.IK. — (Calling over her shoulder.') Marquis, do you not 
watch the dance ? (Marquis advances eagerly ajid smiling.') 

De Tre. — I have not lost one point of all its beauty. Countess. 
(Marvingt plucking him by sleeve and Marquis attending her with 
divided attention.) 

Marvingt. — One word more, Marquis. This messenger tells 
me that some one has been to Germany from this Court and con- 
ferred about your affairs with the Kaiser. He says you are be- 
trayed in your own country. (Julie and tnen moving up and 
partly off L.) 

De Tre. — De Guiche. He has been on a long journey, and 
but now returned. 

Marvingt. — Have a care, Marquis. 

De Tre. — Be tranquil, good Marvingt. I will see your guest. 
(Marvingt slozvly retires to table, and de Treville joins group 
which is dispersing at L. E. ) 

De Tre.— I would see you dance again, and yet again. 
Countess Julie. 

Jui,iE. — You should have attended when I danced, Marquis. 
(Smiles at de Treville, who conies C. with Julie, while men grad- 
ually disappear without wide entrance Z,, master still Jiddling.) 
Shall I teach you the dance of your country ? 

De Tre.— France is my country. 

JUWE. — Germany is yours as well. Marquis. Marvingt, you 
wait to measure me for my gown. I shall first teach the Marquis 
to dance. Leave your tape. (Marvingt takes tape Jrom her 
pocket, looking in surprise at Julie. ) 

De Tre. — And say to your guest that^ I will consider his re- 
quest, good Marvingt. 

Marv. — (Courtesies.) But your measurements, Countess — 

]\]i^i-E.— (Snatching tape and laughing.) Leave your tape. 
The Marquis will take it. (Marvingt courtesies herselj off R. (/.) 
Now,' Marquis. (Holds tape to him, which he takes in bewilder- 
ment.) Music! (To Dancing-master, who plays. Julie be- 
gins to dance, holding out right ar7n for measurements. Mar- 
quis at right oj Jidie and a little behind, her, until he places tape 
' at her wrist, then steps Jor ward slightly and jneasures while on 
one knee. Julie takes his uplijted hand as in a dance. Marquis 
measures Jrom wrist to shoulder.) Now, from there (placing lejt 
hand at nape oJ neck and then at waist line) to there. Marquis. 

DE Tre. — (Flings away tape passionately.) I do not need 
the tape. Countess", thy head comes to my heart. (Stands close to 
her, with one arm outstretched behind her. Julie takes Marquis's 
lejt hand in her lejt one, which is the hand raised. Marquis 
slightly behind her. Julie takes dancing step and he accommodates 
his step to hers.) 

JUI.IE. — And then, my waist. Marquis. 

De Tre. — (Steps back in panic.) I need not. Countess, my 
hands can span it. 



Jui<iE. — {Tiirtis toward Marquis and holds up her ai'ms.) 
Marquis, you have not my measure yet, 'tis taken 'round my 
heart. 

De Tre.— (/// great excitement.) Countess Julie, this is 
twice to-day you have mocked me, now and when you kissed my 
hand. A nameless man like me may not take the measure of 
vour heart. {Dancing-master retires without C. E., flavins; 
fitfully.) 

Jui,iE. — {.Up, near C. E.) Because of your conscience, Mar- 
quis, I say you may before you ask permission. {Dlarqiiis grasps 
her hands as dii Vallon enters R. U. Pause. Marquis and 
Julie draw apart. Julie exits L. C. Du Vallon speaks from 
entrance.) 

Du Vai,i,on. — {Angry a7id sneering.) When the Countess 
has finished pleading her suit, Marquis de Treville, I would speak 
with you. {Marquis bows.) De Tre\dlle, my patience is worn 
out — 

De Tre. — {Coming doiun ) I have never known your pa- 
tience, Princess, 

Du Vai^lon. — It has required patience to love you. 

De Tre. — {Slightly frozvning.) Princess, I beg — 

Du Vai^lon. — {Furiously.) You accepted my love. 

De Tre. — A gentleman does not close his arms to mortal 
woman or female ghost your Highness, and if a man were dead, 
the Princess du Vallon would still revive his gentlemanly habit. 

Du Vali^on. — {Enraged.) De Treville, your gallant speeches 
but add fuel to the fire of my anger. I have loved you too fondly 
to bear myself with discretion at all times before the Court. You 
think I will give you back your freedom and flount myself. The 
King sends his favorites to theBastile; but, de Treville, mine shall 
go to the axe, when a waiting world shall call for explanation. 
The axe CUTS OFF explanation. 

De Tre. — {Quietly.) You cannot value my life less than I 
do. Princess du Vallon. A man without name or country — my 
love is unsuited to one like you. 

Du Vai^lon. — Perhaps Julie de Soubise— 

De Tre. — {Turning abruptly upon her.). Name her not. 
Princess — 

Du Vai^lon. — Treville. {Turns C. Pauses while de Tre- 
ville stands regarding du Vallon ajixiously and forbiddingly.) 

De Tre. — {Rowing.) May we not part in peace, Princess. I 
go to Germany. {D21 Vallon looks at hii7i suddenly, turning about 
to do so, and thereby causing de Treville to Icok at her and 
slightly pause. ) 

Du Vai^lon. — (De Giiiche enters C. E. as Marquis speaks. 
Dti Vallon starts aside as de Guiche enters a7id regards him 
anxiously.) De Guiche ! 

De Guiche. — Is the Marquis in a hurry to depart for 
Vienna ? 

De Tre. — Why ? Do you wish to accompany me as my pos- 
tilion. Monsieur de Guiche ? 

De Guiche — Sir ! I have but now returned from Germany. 
I wish 3'ou were a gentleman. I should like to fight you. 



De Tre. — I wish I had time. I should like to kill you, mon- 
sieur. {Bozus haughtily to the Princess and starts up C. De 
Guiche and he 77ieasiire each other haughtily, atid de Guiche comes 
down R. by Princess. Laughter without as de Treville speaks, 
and courtiers and ladies of the Court appear, gathering C. E. and 
U. E. without. De Treville meets them just without entrance and 
is surrounded by C07ir tiers, who speak in dumb show, gaily. As 
de Guiche turns, and de Treville goes up, and laughter is heard 
without, du Vallon speaks.') 

Du Vali<on.— You have returned — 

De Guiche. — An hour since. {Laughter without again, and 
people pass to and fro and speak in groups together. ) 

Du VAI.I.ON. — And your mission — 

DE Guiche. — The Kaiser rejoices to do the Princess du Val- 
lon a favor. {Hands Princess a note drazun from his pouch. Du 
Vallo7i glances at it while speaki7ig.) ^ 

Du VALI.ON. — From the Kaiser. {Reads hurriedly.) He 
says he sends a message to Louis. {Looks up at de Guiche.) 

De Guiche. — It is delivered. 

Du Vai^IvON.— The message . . ? 

De Guiche. — Will conduct this fine Marquis to the Bastile, 
if the King inclines to do his brother sovereign a good office. 

Du Vai^lon. — You have delivered the message without coun- 
cil with me? {Frowns.) 

De Guiche. — Princess, I undertook this mission to the Kaiser 
somewhat on my own account as well as on yours. I had a 
grievance against this precious adventurer, while you had influ- 
ence at the German Court. You did not lend me this influence 
for the Marquis de Treville's good, I may suppose ? 

Du VaIvI^on. — But I prefer to conduct my own aff^airs, Count 
de Guiche. 

De Guiche. — Yet you requested my assistance, Princess. 
The first word I hear on my return is of the Countess de Soubise 
and this would-be Prince — 

Du \ AJ^i^Q-i^ . — {Impatiently .) Well ! AVell ! What reason did 
the Kaiser give to Louis for his interference ? 

De Guiche.— His fear of revolution in Wurtemburg. He 
writes Louis he fears de Treville's presence just now. The suit 
is as good as settled. The three councillors, in whose hands the 
suit lies, are pledged beforehand, but revolution — 

Du Vai,i,on. — {Listens abstractedly.) The Bastile cures in- 
constancy. {Laughter without as Court slowly assembles on stage. 
De Treville comes down L. C, surrounded by Florien, Metiere, 
Delacroix and Deschefiel.) 

Desch. — Agreed then, that we follow you to Vienna de 
Treville, that we may be the first to drink a health to your 
Highness. 

De Tre. — Friends you are too sanguine. I'm as like to re- 
turn a pauper as a Prince, 

De Guiche. — {Apart to Princess, as they move toward small 
entrance R.) More like, more like, friend. 

Desch. — De Treville, when you are Prince, remember that 
we loved you as an unknown gentleman, 

II "* 



De Tre. — And as a gentleman, though now unknown, I shall 
forget neither my friends nor my enemies. 

MarvingT. — {Running on R. U. E.) Marquis! Marquis! 
{All start and tur^i in amazement and with solicitude?) 

De Tre.— Well, good Marvingt . . ? 

Marvingt.— The guard, Marquis, the King's guard! {Du 
Val Ion half retires ivithin curtained entrance R., but z's not con- 
cealed, nor attempts to conceal herself.) 

De Tre. — We are acquainted with His Majesty's guard, good 
madam. {Maj'vingt wrings her hands.) 

Marvingt. — Oh, Marquis ! {Enter Julie hurriedly R. U. E.) 

Jui,iE. — {Breathlessly.) Marquis de Treville — the guard — 
Louis — {De Treville rushes to her aid as she leans half fainting 
against entrance. ) 

De Tre.— (^// rush up C. and look off.) She faints. {Mar- 
vingt starts toward door, but looks off R. U. at the same time.) 

JUI.IE. — {Recovering herself.) No, no ! An order of the 
King ! Your arrest, Marquis de Treville ! 

De Tre. — Arrest ! {Hand on siuord.) No ! {Pauses in be- 
wildei^nient.) And my suit — my honor — my name — nay ! I'm for 
Vienna this very night ! {Starts tip C. and meets Gtiard as it en- 
ters C. Guard passes entrance R. U. Du Vallon watches scene 
still at R., holding aside curtains. De Quiche, with arms folded 
and looking amused, below table extreme R. As Ma^^quis reaches 
C. E., the courtiers give way for the Guard ajid back down stage.) 

Capt. of Guard. — In the name of the King ! 

De Tre. — Never ! {Draws sword.) In the name of honor ! 
{Capt. motions Guard to close in on de Treville. ^ Death or 
freedom ! More than my life is at stake. Honor ! Name ! 
At this hour when I am departing from France to defend 
both. No ! To the death I ( Turns fiercely to fight Guards, 
who are about to use force. Julie throws herself in the 
way.) 

Jui^iE. — {Trying to hamper his sword arm.) Would you 
seek death before my very eyes ? {De Treville pauses, regards 
Julie, slowly sheathes sword, with look of agony and resigna- 
tion, and Guard takes possession of him,) 

Du Vai^lon. — {Advances toward de Treville as Guard and 
de Treville go up C.) You shall thank me for your freedom, de 
Treville. 

De Tre. — {Looking at her bitterly and sadly.) And whom 
for my arrest, Princess ? 

Du Vai^i^on. — {Aside to Marquis.) Your inconstancy. Mar- 
quis de Treville. 

Marvingt — {Calling after de Treville, who is at C. E. 
All the Court L.) There shall be revolution in Wurtemberg for 
this, Marquis. {Julie turns excitedly to Marvingt as she speaks, 
and they confer down L., while de Guiche goes R. U. E.) 

De Tre. — A woman's heart takes strange revenges, madam, 
{De Treville disappears past R. U. E. All the Court, C. E. and 
R. U. E., excitedly look after the Guard. De Guiche on right 
ofR. U. E.) 



Julie. — {Turns from conferring with Marvitigt excitedly 
and calls after Marquis from standing C.^ TREVILLE ! YOU 
SHALL BE PRINCE ! {De Treville out of sight.) 

T>^ Ovicn'E,.— -{Calls after Marquis mockifigly.) A health to 
your Highness ! {Angry start from gentlemen and sounds of 
disapproval . De Guiche turns toward them and insolently places 
hand on sword. ) ( Du Vallon at small entrance R. fulie turns 
to Marvingt, who supports hef slightly. De Guiche suddenly 
draws sword and Deschenel draws his, and they engage. Great 
excitement.) 

Without.— The King ! {Trumpets.) 

JuwE. — {Grasps Marvingf s hand and turns to small entrance 
R.) Come ! 

Marvingt. — Where ? 

JuiyiE — To Vienna. ( When the King has been amiounced, 
the clash of swords has instantly stopped, and all have stood upon 
etiquette, intensely excited. King's suite is seen without C. E., 
with herald, etc., as fulie makes her exit. The stage is vacant 
and filling at the same instant, and the curtain falls as fulie is at 
R. E. and suite at C. E. Court at R. U. E. King not in sight.) 

(quick curtain.) 



^ 



13 



ACT IL 

Time : — Silr weeks later, 7 p.m. 

P1.ACE : — Baron Hochstei?n's kitcheti, Germany. 

CHARACTERS. 

BARON HOCHSTEIM. 

HERR WITTHOLD. 

DAMER. 

KARL. 

HANS SCHAUS. 

ELSPETH. 

MA R VI NG T. {Page to Julie and called Jean. ) 

JULIE. (^Marquise de Trevz'lle.) 



SCENE. 

(^Kitchen of the Baron Hochsteuti' s castle. Great fire-place L. A 
haunch of venison hanging before fire on spit. R. on fire is steaming 
cauldron of sauer-kraut. Diagonally at L. U. is a tun of wine. Low 
cornice at top of room on which plates and steins are disposed. Hand- 
some., but rickety , high-backed chairs at back against wall. Massive door 
at R. of stairs. Stairway coming down C. {^little right of centre) at 
back. Long table centre., length running up and down stage ijistead of 
R. and L. Sort of locker or side-board at R, Entrance R. ist. Carv- 
ed chairs., with lotver backs than the Baron^s, arranged along the wall 
R. Table bare when curtain rises. Half a deer hanging a little to R. of 
7uine tun, back. Bacon rack at ceiling. Walls, ceiling and furni- 
ture have a blackened and ill-kept appearance. As curtain rises Darner 
is discovered at fire turning spit and basting venison. Elspeth is lean- 
ing across table talking to Darner. ) 

EI.SP. — I'm dying of this old, withered kitchen. {Speaks 
irritably.) 

Damer. — I say it's of love. If ye loved less, ye'd work more. 
The kitchen's a fine, seasoned room, an' ye '11 speak well o' it. 

Ei,SP. — For whom am I like to die of love ? 

Damer. — Hans Schaus is better than six wenches like ye, 
an' if ye die not Hans will — an' so ye'd better die. 

Ei<SP. — When I die of love, master Damer, it wont be for love 
of a huntsman's leathers and cap. 

Damer. — Well, think less o' silks and satins, an' set ye the 
table. ( Turns suddenly and ajtgrily upon her.) And say naught 
against the kitchen, d'ye hear? 

EiwSP. — I'll speak when I please, and how it suits me. 
{Damer grabs ladle from sauer-kraut and throws it at Elspeth, 
while she dodges it and laughs mockingly.) If ye but aimed less 
like a woman — 

Damer. — {Angrily.) Be hanged ! 

14 



EI.SP. — (As about to cross to sideboard.) Lord ! Hear the 
wind ; how it howls. 

Damer. — And the Baron and Hans be late. That means ill 
5port. 

Elsp. — Aye, and bad humor. They'll come from the forest 
with dripping coats and a string of curses as long as my new rib- 
bon. {Goes to sideboard and returns to table with things to set 
upon it.) 

Damer. — Be ye ready to make the Baron and Hans comfort- 
able — 

Ei,SP, — (Cotiteinptitously.) Two pigs — 

Damer. — (Drops saucepan on stove in excite?nent.) What ! 
ye speak o' the Baron — 

Elsp. — (Leani7ig insolently upon table with hands.) Drip- 
ping wet, stinking leathers, great beards full of smoke, water and 
stale beer. Have ye heard of the great Marquis de Treville, you 
old fool ? 

Damer. — I've heard Hans and Master speak of the French 
varlet. (Raises hands in disgust.) A white feathered rascal he 
is, with his silk and satin ruffles and his woman's manners, and 
his wicked ways with the ladies. 

EiySP. —Well then, in something he has the manners of a 
man. 

Damer. — A nice, sickly rascal for a girl like ye to speak of 
— an' a man like Hans in love with ye. To have ye speak of an 
honest man like Hans in the same breath — 

EiwSP. — (Makes contemptuous gesture.) Pouf ! that's French. 
If a Prince be not an honest man, who is ? 

Damer. — Who's a Prince, ye fool ? Not your Marquis. I've 
heard the Baron laugh about the fellow. He calls him a sickly, 
woman's man. The Baron is the one to say if the fellow shall be 
Prince, and he will not say it. What ! take fine, German estates 
from the province and give them to a fellow who eats frogs ! 
Ye're mad. 

EiySP. — ^The Baron's a fool. (Turfts agaift to the sideboard 
and takes battered silver tajikard and platter from it. As she 
turns to cross to the table Karl enters R. I. with arms full of 
great loaves of bread, and a large official envelope in his mouth. 
Karl carries bread to R. of wine tun and dumps it on the floor ^ 
while Damer turfts to watch him.) 

Damer. — What have ye in yer mouth, ye varlet ? 

Kari,. — {Turns very deliberately and takes envelope from his 
mouth and turns it over. Damer and Elspeth go toward him and 
all meet C.y i?ispecting envelope.) It be a letter by postilion for 
the master. It be very particular. It be for him NOW. (Looks 
about as if in search for the Baron.) 

Damer. — Well, man, ye can't give it to him now, when he's 
in the forest. 

Kari,. — But it be for him now. It be from Vienna. It come 
to Vienna from France. It come from Vienna to the castle by 
postilion. It be for the Baron NOW. 

E1.SP. — (Grabbing letter eagerly.) Give it me. It came 
from France. (Looks up comp7'e hensively at Damer.) It may be 
from the Marquis. Pouf! (Flirts with Jflngers.) That's French. 
The Marquis lives in France. 

15 



Kari, — {Angrily grabbing letter from her.) Gi' it to me, I 
tell 'ee. Gi' it to me. It's for the Baron NOW. 

Damer. — {Grabbing the letter from Elspeth. who has held it 
out of Karl's reach.) Ye jackanapes ! How caji ye give him the 
letter when he's out in the forest hunting boar? {To Elspeth.) 
Do ye think your sick Marquis the only man in France, wench? 
I'll take the letter. {Weighs letter pompously.) Now, I'll war- 
rant it be a letter from the Court at Vienna. It asks the Baron if 
it may dine at six instead of four, 

^i^SV.— {Laughing. Karl looks stupid.) Why not ask if 
the Court may have roast boar instead of sausages ? Or maybe 
the Herr Baron is asked if the King may w^ash his face. {Snaps 
fingers derisively.) Pouf ! 

Damer. — You are a damned bold wench. {Places letter 07i 
Baron's plate.) Don't touch ye the letter. Maybe the King's 
hand has touched it. Mind, if ye touch it, I'll scald ye. {Great 
noise heard without back. Stamping and cursing. ) There ! 
{All start and look toward the door, while Elspeth leisurely turns 
to her business of setting the table, atid Karl stares straight at the 
door. ) Get ye at the table, and have a care how ye trouble Hans 
this night, for they be in ill humor. Lord ! {Hastens to stove 
and has business with pots and patis.) 

KivSP. — Look out for thyself, and warn Hans, not me. {Karl 
starts to take letter from Baron's plate. More noise outside, back. 
Dogs bark. Elspeth cuffs Karl as he is about to take letter from 
plate.) Let be, ye fool ! {Karl falls half way across stage and 
down R. Turns as if to fight Elspeth as doer opens, back. 
Enter Baron, back, stamping and cursing, with dogs behind hitn, 
held in leash by Hans. Both men covered with snozv. Baron 
stamps to fire and kicks aside pot on floor with great noise. Els- 
peth looks at both men with indifference and with ?tose turned up. 
Karl stops ift process of slapping Elspeth, and Hans makes great 
efforts to restrain dogs as he follows Baron to fire. Hans ties 
dogs to table leg and takes off belt, which he is about to throw on 
table, when Elspeth comes to him coquettishly and offers to take it.) 

Hans. — {Tenderly.) Nay, I'll care for it, Klspeth. {Busi- 
ness for the two, while Elspeth seems to speak of his wet cloth- 
ing, etc. They go R. by table to speak in dumb show.) 

Baron. — {Roars loudly.) Supper ! 

Damar. — Herr Baron shall be served this moment. 

Baron. — {Grabbing dog by collar.) Food for the dog, slave ! 
{Karl rushes to the cauldron upon stove and starts to ladle out 
mush for the dogs, when Baron grabs spoon from him and kicks 
over pan into which Karl was about to put inush for the dogs.) 
Are ye daft? The dogs are spent. Would you stuff their gul- 
lets like Strassbourg geese ? Be off ! {Points to pan at left of 
stove.) Give it to me. {Karl hands pan to Baron. Baroft throws 
bits of food from it, first to o?ie dog, the?i to another.) 

Kari.. — Yes, Master. Now. 

Damer. — Pull off the Baron's hunting boots, ye rascal. D'ye 
think — {Karl hastens to obey Damer, and the Baron kicks him 
over back.) 

Baron. — {Roars.) Mind your business, scullion ! Do you 
suppose an honest man needs fear a little wet ? Let be. ( To 
Hans.) Come Hans {speaks mockingly), wilt have your shirt 
taken and dried b}^ Elspeth ? Maybe you'll catch a cold. 

i6 



Hans. — {Comes to fire.) I'm as hot as thou, Herr Baron. 
The horses never flunked before — 

Baron. — Ye'd have thought him a Frenchman. 

Damer. — {Tryin(r to win Baron' s favor.) Like the Marquis 
de Treville, Herr Baron ? 

Baron. — {Latighs loudly.) How know you of the Marquis 
de Treville, Damer? 

Damer. — {Laughs loudly. ) I hear the Baron curse and laugh 
at the Marquis de Treville at breakfast, dinner and supper. 

Baron. — {Laughs.) Well then, you would hear me do it in 
my sleep, if you listened. {Hans leans across table on elbows watch- 
ing Ehpeth. Elspeth is engaged in setting table, and /« going 
to and fro, pausing to say " pouf ! " sometimes, and wave her fin- 
gers, trying to fascinate Hans.) If it were not for the French 
fool I would not have to leave my castle in the middle of the 
hunting, to put on a black gown and listen to a pair of dolts talk 
on law. I'll revenge myself when I vote his titles and estates to 
a German principality. Off! {Forces dogs down.) There, ye 
have filled yourselves. Have done ! Supper ! {Stamps fiercely 
towards great C. chair at head of table.) Wine, ape ! {Flings 
tankard at Karl's head ; Karl catches it.) 

Kari,. — Yes, master. Now. {Speeds to wine tun and draws 
wine. Returns to table and takes Hans' horn and has business at 
tun during co7iversation.) 

Baron.— Hans, to supper ! Oh, a nice household for a living 
man ! Fools and sleeping men for company ! God send to me a 
friend who can drink as much, and eat as much, and kill as much, 
and curse as much as I ! (To Elspeth.) What's wrong with 
thee, wench ? {Damer passes Baron with steamitig roast of ven- 
ison and places it on the table.) Hast drunk vinegar? 

Hans. — Nay, Baron, the place is dull for her. 

Baron. — Thou art dull, Hans Schaus. I blame her not. 
Here, wench, sit ye above the salt and play the fine lady for to- 
night. It will please thee and give the rest of us something to 
laugh at. 

Elsp. — And I play the fine lady I'll order ye from the room. 
{Baron looks at Hans and roars with laughter.) 

Baron. — Do you hear . . ? She'd have us out. Go on, 
wench ; maybe ye'd have us play we're the Marquis de Treville ? 

Elsp. — I'd give him my hand — thus — to kiss, Herr Baron. 
{Business of coquettishly giving her hand to Baron to kiss. Baron 
looks at it and roars luith laughter, and motions Hans to kiss it, 
which Hans does awkwardly^ 

Baron. — {Roars with laughter.) Do you hear, Hans? 
{Stamps to seat ) Sit — and laugh — or I'll cut your throats. EAT! 
{They sit. and Baron takes hu7iting knife fj'om belt and cuts a 
chunk of veniso7i, and is about to place it on his plate— pause.) 
Eh, . . ? What's this? May a man not even sup in peace, but 
he must have Vienna sit upon his plate ? Is it not enough to have 
a day's hunting spoiled? Must one be reminded of Courts and 
Kings and a fat fool whose judgment is warmed or cooled by his 
guts, and another whose judgment is not warmed at all, because 
he himself has grown bloodless by dieting on classic parch- 
ments? Damnation! I \xii\ not read it. {Angrily about to 
throw letter on table.) 

17 



Kari,. — It came from France, Herr Baron, and it is for j-ou 
NOW. {All watch Baron eagerly and curiously .) 

Baron. — {Pauses.) Zounds! It must be from the ruffled 
Frenchman. That damned Marquis about his suit. If he ask a 
favor I'll burn the whole cursed De Treville estates. {Opens let- 
ter, while all look 07i anxiously. Barojt grows excited and 
apoplectic.) Here ! He will be here ! 

^T^sv.— {Wild with delight.) When, Herr Baron ? When? 

Baron. — Wench, you're glad. Here ! I say the damned 
pudding-face will be at the castle. 

EI.SP.— When— WHEN— 7t/^^;z ? 

Baron. — This night. God rest his soul — I'll throttle him. 
Here in the castle— to disturb the — the — the calm — of a gentle- 
man's existence. The tranquillity — the— the— 

T>Ai^rEK.— {Looking on from stove with saucepan poised.) 
Oh, Herr Baron, must we feed him? If so, leave him to me. I'll 
poison him. 

Baron. — {Falls back in chair.) To think this plague of my 
life should descend upon me in my castle. A mulling, pulling— 

Karl. — And he's coming — now ? 

Elsp. — Herr Baron, he is a Prince. 

Baron. — {Roars ajtd strikes table.) He is ?z^ Prince. If he 
be Prince, it takes me and my fellow councillors to make him so, 
and they be pledged, as I am, to leave him as he was born, a 
charlatan. 

Hans. — He best not try his charlatan tricks upon the women 
of this country. {Frowns.) 

Baron. -^H ear ye that, Elspeth? None of your pranks with 
this French devil. {Ehpeth tosses- her head and hurries off R. , 
practicing the little coquettish gesture of '' pouf ! " as she goes.) 

DamER. — Hear the rain, Herr Baron, hear the rain. Lord ! 
His Highness will get such a bath as he has not known since he 
was born. 

Baron. — In truth they say they use a deal of perfume in 
France — because they need it. 

Damer. — He, he, he ! He'll get wet, Herr Baron. 

Baron. — I'd like to pour a horn of wine down the fellow's 
fillet. We'd see an apoplexy. He drinks sweet stuff, like a 
woman. And now to house our mighty guest. What say you, 
Hans? 

Hans. — I say, to the devil with him, Herr Baron. 

Damp:r. — Ho ! His Highness must sleep on softest down and 
have a warmed and perfumed bed, and one to bathe his poor, 
chilled feet. 

Baron. — {Laughs uproariously.) If I laugh, I'm none the 
less furious. Thou art a rogue, Damer. 

Damer. — And the trappings of his steed — 

Baron. — He'll not come on postilion, fool. Speak of his 
equipage. Will he not be wrapped from the storm, and come re- 
clining on silken cushions ? 

Damer. — Oh, "true! And he must be lifted from the car- 
riage, and brought with care, like rotten eggs, across the moat. 
For I doubt if the bridge will hold the weight of all his retinue. 

i8 



Baron. — {Laughing more uproariously.) I laugh at thy 
picture, in spite of myself. Come, Hans. Cannot you think of 
something for the comfort of the royal visitor ? 

Hans. — {Dryly.) The rat chamber is likely to be cold, Herr 
Baron, and he may need a warming-pan. 

Damer. — {All near center. Darner snatches up frying-pan 
and waves it. Scene becomes quicker arid louder.) I can furnish 
it. I'll clap him between two griddles like a pudding, and he'll 
think himself between the sheets of some fair lady. {Baron 
shouts with laughter.) 

YiA'NS.— {Sarcastically.) The sheets of the bed may not be 
well aired, Herr Baron — 

Karl— Nought better, Hans. Did I not bring them from the 
back of the old rat-tailed mare, and she's been out to graze, 
wrapped in them blankets for full a month — NOW. 

Baron. — You have almost put me in good humor with my- 
self. We'll fill him to the neck from out that tun. When he 
enters, do ye clap him on the shoulder in good fellowship, 
Hans. Do ye pull off his boots, Karl, and — 

Karl. — Ho, ho, ho ! I'll pull his pipestems off, Herr Baron 
—NOW. 

Baron. — {Grcwuig more excited and hilarious.) And when 
you feed him, Damer — 

Damer. — I'll fill the dishpan full of kraut and heap it up. 
I'll say {bowing and scraping as though to Marquis) "Your 
pardon for serving so little. Royal Master, but the only dish that 
h#ds enough is being burnished at the smith's." 

Baron. — {Wild with enjoyment.) Good! But when you do 
it, be sure ye all are in sober earnest. For after all he's my 
guest, and I would not have him know we cozened him. Untie 
the dogs, Hans. The sight of them will scare the man to death. 

Hans. — They'll raise the dead when they scent a French- 
man ; they have good loyal noses. {Stoops to unloose dogs. 
Great stamping without 



back ; shouting. Baron starts and 
Damer down L. C. Pauses. Karl rushes 



looks toward door, 
off back.) 

Julie. — ( Without, back.) Let the horses alone, varlet ! I'll 
mind my own horse. Take yourself off, or I'll wring your neck. 

Damer. — Who's that ? 

Baron. — It can be no visitor. 

Hans. — {Straightens up.) The Marquis— 

Baron. — The Frenchman ? It is not he — the one without is 
a man. 



Julie. — {Great crash ■without, 
trounce ye. I'll introduce myself. 
Heaven — 



back.) Hell's fire ! But I'll 
Stand out of my w^ay, or b}^ 



'Kx'R.'L,.— {Crying withottt.) Herr Baron ! Master! The man 
will kill me ! {Damer grabs poker. Baron starts to rush to- 
ward door, back. Door flies open and Baron pauses. Enter 
Julie disguised as de Treville, with Marvingt dressed as serv- 
ing man behind him. Julie flings Karl out of her way as she en- 
ters. Advances and claps Baron heartily on the shoulder. Baron 
stands back in cojisternation. Marvingt looks anxiously about, 
a7id then advances timidly and imitates Julie by clapping Hans 



19 



on the shoulder. Hans looks at 3Iai'vmgt iii surprise^ as though 
a fly had hit him. Julie throws cap on table and Marvingt imi- 
tates him timidly. Marvingf s action is always a moment after 
Julie's, so that the imitation is obvious and funny. Julie stoops 
and fondles the dogs.) 

Julie.— Ho ! Baron Hochsteim ! I salute you ! {To Karl.) 
Hey, shut the door, idiot ! Would you freeze the Baron ? I care 
naught for myself. My page and I have seen worse nights than 
this and less hospitality, but the Baron — Good dogs ! {Singles 
out 07ie and fo7idles it.) A beauty, Baron. I'll warrant it cares 
not how it tears its hide so 'twill hold its feed ? 

Baron. — You are right, sir. <' With growing interest aiid 
good humor.) But to whom do I — 

'lJji^i'E.—{Indiffere7ttly.) De Treville, if you will have it so ; 
if not, then what j-ou please, so that it be good fellow. 

Baron.— DB TREVILLE ! 

Damer. — {Nearly drops poker which he has taken in hand. ) 
De Treville ! 

Hans. — The Marquis de Treville ! {Julie pays no attention 
to people while they are speaking. Shakes shoulders as if to rid 
them of the wet. Strides to table and takes out himting knife as 
Baron did, cuts off huge piece of venison, and drops meat into 
mouth.) 

Jui,iE. — {Eating.) As you will. If I be de Treville, then I 
am, too, the Marquis. 

Baron. — Marquis or no Marquis, Frenchman or no French- 
man, yet thou art a brave fellow to come through all this stoAn 
and arrive in good humor. Ho ! there, Karl ! {Karl comes anx- 
iously down R. , looking at Marquis. ) A dry doublet for this 
gentleman. {Karl goes R. E. backward, looking at Julie, and 
Baron speaks apart to Jtilie, who is still feeditig.) My doublet 
may be over tight for ye, Marquis. 

]VJ.TE.— {With mouth full.) Eh? Thy doublet. What of 
thy doublet ? 

Baron. — Thou art wet to the skin. I would have thee dry 
thyself in my doublet. 

JuwE. — You joke. Baron. You call this wet? A heavy 
dew. I like a good fit above all things. I'll keep my doublet. 

Baron, — But — the cold — 

JuiyiE. — {Pauses in astonishment .) Zounds, man ! Would 
make a woman of me ? Thou art hospitable, but I am too dry 
already. {Looks at wine tun. Karl stops R. E. and stands 
looking on with mouth wide open. Damer and Hans reflect the 
action between de Treville and Baro7i and are apart, appearing 
to be occupied near stove ; Hans with the dogs and Damer with 
the cooking.) 

Baron. — {Laughs loud and delightedly. Slaps Marquis 
fiercely on shoulder a7id Marquis neaidy reels, but majifully 
stands up to it and C07ttinues to eat. Jean shows hori^or, and the^i 
hurriedly pretends to eat upon receiving a warning look from 
Marquis.) I love thee, man. Thou art made in my own image. 
{To Damer.) Remove the plates. The Marquis and I dine alone 
Where's the wench, Elspeth, to help thee ? {Ha?ts, Dafner and 
Karl start quickly to remove the extra plates. Marvingt comes 
down L. to fire, and sidles off, afraid of dogs.) 



Julie. — {Pauses in eatm^ and tries to [understand action.) 
There — there — what would you ? 

Baron. — We will dine alone — 

Julie. — {Hurls platter at Karl's head. Platter misses by 
several yards.) A man throws like a woman when he's hungry. 
Leave the plates. {Co7nes to Baron, who is down C.) What, 
may I not sit at table as one of them ? I do not care if thou call 
me Marquis, or de Treville; or Devil ; but I pray you seat me not 
alone, like a scolded school-girl. 

Damer. — Oh, he's a Prince ! 

Baron. — {Aside.) I begin to think it. Come, we will sup 
together. All. Where's Elspeth ? {Door opens and E/speih en- 
ters, greatly togged out. Marvingt beside the fire. As Julie 
turns R. and toward the table, she starts back at sight of Elspeth 
and laughs.) 

Julie.— Ah, your daughter? 

Baron. — Nay, none of my daughters have fathers. The 
wench can make a bed, that's all. 

Julie. — {Elspeth courtesies.) Lord! I feared she was here 
to lie in it. 

Elsp. — {Hans starts forward and regards her frowningly.) 
If your Highness — 

Julie. — {Laiighs loudly.) Highness! The Baron will tell 
you better. There {indicates Marvingt), talk with my page. He 
is the kind who shivers. Go warm him. He will thank you. 
{Laughs and turns towards table. Baron laughs loudly, and Hans 
moves uneasily and frowns. Marvingt scared to death.) 

Marvingt. — Master, I am as fond of petticoats as thou. 

Julie. — Then ye hate them, boy. Make love to that one, 
that the rest of us may sup in peace. 

Hans. — Nay, I'll look after the maid. 

Julie. — WTiat's this? Jealousy? {Laughs gaily.) Dost 
stand for the best man, Baron? Have at him, Jean. 

Marvingt. — {Ln panic.) I care not if he swallows the girl. 

Julie. — {Baron comes down laughing and amused, bid a lit- 
tle alarmed, and Hans shows sicrprise, but puts hand on hilt of 
hunting knife.) I know that, but wilt let the fellow walk off 
with what you do not want simply because you do not want it ? 
Ye argue like a woman, but if ye fight like one, I'll — 

Hans. — Come on ! I'll teach ye — 

Julie. — Nay, he has ye at odds. Jean carries a sword, ye a 
short knife. {Hands sword to Ha?is, who handles it awkwardly.) 
Take my sword, good fellow. Now go — 

Baron. — {C. laughing at play.) Nay, nay, guest. I like thy 
joke, but Hans knows naught of a sword. {Marvingt stands 
shivering, with sword in hand.) 

Hans.— Neither do I. But come on. {To Marvi^igt.) I'll 
slice ye as if ye were a capon. 

Marvingt. — {Retreating behind Marquis.) Oh, mercy ! 
Marquis, wouldst have me — 

Julie. — {Shouting luith laughter, snatches sword from Jean 
and faces Hans. Speaks to Jean across shoulder.) I'll lay the 
sword across thy back when I have finished off this good fellow, 

21 



and not to knight thee, either. 
coo/s down a little.) 



{Makes a bold pass at Hans, who 



Baron. — Hold ! I say he knows naught of sword play, Mar- 
quis, and if he did, could I see him run my guest through ? 

Julie. — {Makes pass and laughs gaily.) Fear not for that. 
When I have finished off this— er— quarrelsome fellow — I'll sup 
with thee, while the girl binds up his wounds. 

, Baron. — Lord ! Marquis, stop if you love me. He is a good 
fellow. He would not quarrel with thee. {Julie pauses, but all 
the time looks at Hans with inock fierceness, and the7i laughs with 
Baron.) Down, Hans, and beg the Prince's— er— Marquis's par- 
don. {Playfully forces him to his knees. Julie instantly holds 
out hand and brings Hans to his feet again.) 

JuiviE. — No, no ! If you will not let me fight him, you may 
not put him at my feet. It is one thing to kill a man, quite an- 
other to make him humble. {To Hans ; hand on shoulder.) Eh? 
Thou wilt not be humbled fellow? Say no, and we'll to supper. 

Hans. — Thou art a Prince, Master. 

JUWE. — {Gaily.) I would that you and this fine fellow 
{cracks Darner on the shoulder) were the august councillors that 
shall settle this matter. I'd risk my name and my estate with 
you. But to serious affairs — the venison. 

Baron.— Come, all of ye. 

Hans. — Nay, not I. The Marquis's horse shall sup before 
me, like a Prince. {Exits hastily, back.) 

Damer. — And I go to warm the Marquis's bed. {Exits hur- 
fiedly, R. J.) 

Baron.— Eh? Well then, Elspeth can play at lady. 

JUI.IE. — {Elspeth comes fro fn fire, where she has been trying 
to ogle Jean.) Eh? 

Elspeth. — {Flirting with Julie. ) I present my hand, thus, 
your Highness — {Presents hand for Julie to kiss. Julie looks 
at it doubtfully, and then very precisely afid seriously and mock- 
ingly takes it, and calls :')—''^^2.Vl, here !" {Marvingt comes for- 
ward docilely. Baron stands watching with simfile interest.) 
Kiss this maiden's hand for me — {Carefully places Elspeth'' s 
hand in MarvingV s and stands back to watch with deliberation. 
Elspeth snatches hand away with indignation . Others surprised.) 

Elspeth.— He sha'nt. 

Julie. — {Mock surprise.) Eh? My dear, a gentleman car- 
ries a ser\'ant to do his work, and bear his sins. {All burst out 
laughing. ) 

Baron. — I'm fit to die of joy. A man after my own heart, 
sent to cheer me in my solitude. Sit, girl, and Jean will tend ye. 
{Laughs. Baron is about to cut venison. Julie watches hungrily 
and draws hunting-knife , like Baro7i. Marvingt watches Julie 
every moment, and does in all respects as she does. This mimicry 
should always co7ne just after Julie's action so that it may be obvi- 
ous and ludicrous. All during the scene Marvingt evi7ices anxi- 
ety and iin-itability at Ehpeth's ma7iceuveri7ig. Ba7V7i pauses 
suddenly i7i act of cutti7ig off 7neat—) Hey ! My Lord ! The 
man who eats venison should be able to kill it — do you hunt ? 
{Frow7is. ) 



Julie. — Hunt ! Th)- doubt insults me no less than did Herr 
Witthold's assumption that I knew Latin. Do I hunt? Am I a 
man ? Ask me in good faith if I will drink with thee. 

Baron. — {Speaks excitedly; throws drinking horjis to Karl.^ 
What ! ye have seen Herr Witthold ? 

Julie. — Aye, and he has seen me. {Karl returns with hor7t.) 
But drink— then I will tell thee. 

Baron. — {Hastily el rinks and throws horn on table. Marquis 
turns slightly dozen stage atid unnoticed tosses luine under the 
table on left side.) Quick ! I could die of laughter. Thou hast 
seen Witthold, and he has seen thee? {Laughs hysterically.) 
Thy suit ! Oh Lord ! I split. 

Julie. — {As if indignant.) What should an honest man do 
but go in his best estate and say : "I am a Prince, sir, and have 
estates — they are at your disposal. Give them to me ! They are 
mine!" 

Baron. — O Lord ! {Laughing.) And then? 

Julie. — He said : "Dost thou know Ovid?"— Ovid? To the 
Devil with Ovid Tell Ovid to give me my titles and estates!" 
And then I thought him dead with horror. 

Baron. — ( Holding his sides with laughter. ) Aye — aye— go on . 

Julie. — "Ovid," said he, "Ovid, he is dead ! He was a poet." 
"A poet," saidT, "I thought him a German councillor." {Confi- 
dentially to Baron.) And I was wrong. He was a poet— and he 
is dead. {Baron rolls in chair and wipes his eyes.) 

Baron. — And then—? 

Julie. — He lay back as one dead — as Ovid, and then sat up- 
right and looked at me. And then he lifted up his long and 
stringy arm and pointed my way out. He wheezed and splut- 
tered. "The man knows not Ovid, and yet would be a Prince." 
He spoke as if in a dream, and since I thought him mad I said 
good-bye to titles and estates and went hence. W^ine — I crack, I 
starve with thirst. {Marvingt starts up excitedly.) 

Marvingt. — Madamoiselle — ! 

J ULiE. — {Baron starts and looks at Marvijigt and Julie. ) Call 
her Princess, fellow. Keep the oaf busy, girl. {Nodding and 
flirting surreptitiously with Elspeth, ivho is delighted. Throws 
a kiss at her.) Keep the boy busy, else he'll hurt himself and 
thee. I'm not as I seem; please my page and ye '11 please me — 
and I promise thee no harm shall come to thy virtue. {Baron 
laughs boisterously and calls Karl, zuho has snatched the horns and 
is filling them.) 

Baron.— Haste — 

Karl. — Yes, master— NOW. 

ElSPETh.— Oh, your Highness— 

Julie. — Keep him busy, girl. I'm admiring thee. {Karl 
comes with the horns. Julie snatches his and winks at the Baron, 
and turns to Elspeth.) Ah ! I can drink with relish to another 
man's mistress — nothing follows it except more wine, {Marvi7igt 
rises and puts up hands with protestcUion. Julie laughs loudly 
and points her finger at Marvingt, which causes Baron to 
attend to Marvingt, and while Baron is not looking, Julie dtunps 
wine into pocket. Throws horn on table while Baron is only 
about to drink. Baron looks at her in amazement.) Another ! 
I've not the flavor yet, and then to table. 

23 



Baron, — And thou art a Frenchman — by my — 

Julie. — {Excitedly drawing sword.) Eh? I am a French- 
man, Monsieur, what then ? 

Baron. —What then ? Why then I wish most Germans were 
like Frenchmen. {Julie puts up sword.) Aye — put up thy sword. 
We will not quarrel over loyalty. Karl— rascal. Ye are too slow. 
{Goes to tun.) I'll draw for thee myself, friend, 

Marvingt. — Marquis ! 

Julie. — {Frowns at Marvingt to silence her, and speaks to 
Elspcth.) Wake, girl. What expect you from a Prince if you 
cannot even amuse his page? {Baron returns from tun.) 

Elsp. — {To Marvingt, as she sinks back as if dazed and help- 
less and watches Julie.) Come, drink to me, ye churl. 
{Coquettes with her, and Marvingt edges off.) 

Baron. — {As Julie takes horn to di'ink.) Hold — together, 
friend. {Maiijingt and Elspeih move off to fire, Marvingt trying 
to get away from Elspeth.) This shall be to thy fortune. 

Julie. — {Suddenly pauses.) Nay — to the Devil with my for- 
tune. Since to win my rights I found I must talk Latin like a 
fool and scholar, and live on milk like a babe at the breast. 
{About to drink.) 

Baron. — {Lowering horn.) Ah, did you see Eisner, then? 
{About to laugh.) 

Julie. — Nay, his wife ? They told me the Councillor Eisner 
was in an apoplexy from a Strasbourg pasty, but his good f rau — 

Baron. — The frau Johanna — {Laughing wildly.) Go on. 
Ye said to her — 

Julie. — "My rights are thus and so, and damn me, Madam, 
I'll have 'em." 

Baron. — Oh, oh, oh, oh ! And the good woman — ? 

Marvingt. — {Speaks in amazement and indignantly .) Ye 
saw them not. Marquis. Ye saw no woman — 

Julie. — Fool ! I see much while ye are asleep. Hold your 
tongue. {To Baron.) The woman fainted. She said O-o-o-o — 
and went dowm like a dizzy peg-top. Faith ! The woman's mad. 

Baron. — Johanna to the life. I'd swear ye saw her. Then 
ye came to try your fate with me ? 

Julie. — Nay. If a scholar and a woman have no justice, 
what expect of fellows like you and me ? So — come — drink — 
and to table. 

Baron, — {Throwing arm around Marquis.) Aye, Confu- 
sion to Herr Witthold and his damned mouldiness ! Confusion 
to Johanna's virtue ! I'm pledged to the Province, as are we all. 
I may not serve thee, but I may love thee, and get drunk with 
thee, and have thee for my guest. Zounds ! The State is not 
made of such as Witthold and Johanna. Drink ! {As Baron is 
about to drink Julie suddenly points to Marvingt and cries out, 
tJius distracting tJie Baron's attention. Baron turns and looks at 
Marviftgt and Elspeth at fire, and Marquis turns wifie into other 
pocket and tJwoius horn on table with great rattle, while Baron is 
still looking at^fire. Baron starts at rattle of horn and looks 
around.) Ah, thou canst empty a horn, man ! 

Julie. — I was born to it. The fool was half asleep and fall- 
ing into the fire. {Referring to Marvingt.) 

24 



Baron. — {Putting hcuid to head as if feeling the wine, and 
the7i looking in surprise at Marquis, zvho stands erect and smil- 
ing.) Ha ! Let no man best nie at drinking of my own wine. 
Another, rascal. {Sfiatehes Julie's horn and losses doth to Karl 
again. Jean rises in excitement.) 

Marvingt.— Marquis, you shall drink no more. 

Julie. — {Fiercely.) What, minion ! I'll carve thee. {Starts 
with hatid on szuord toiuard Marvingt, who subsides frightened.) 

Marvingt. — Oh, Lord ! Put the thing away — thou wilt cut 
somebody, yet. {Baron and Julie look at each other and burst out 
laughing.) 

Baron. — Why, thou hast a very woman to serve thee. 

Marvingt. — {Excitedly.) How did you know th — 

Julie. — {Rushes at Marvingt.) I'll spit thee. {Marvingt 
riuis to fire, Julie to Baron.) The lad plagues out my life. He's 
as white livered as a cat. He's a damned lazy, bloodless vaga- 
bond. {At each denunciation Marvingt raises hands in protest.) 

Marvingt. — My bird— my bird — 

Julie. — {To Elspeth.) At last thy coquetries have won him, 
or else he thinks ye will protect him. {Elspeth runs down to 
stove and plagues Marvingt with endearments and caresses.) 

Baron. — {Getting slightly drunk, snatches wine from Karl.) 
'Then here's again : " Confusion to our friends, the Councillors." 
May I be hanged if I ever vote with them again. {Julie looks at 
Baron, hesitates and laughs slightly as he brushes hand across 
forehead. ) 

Julie. — Faith — I believe — 

Baron.— Thou dost feel my wine — Nay^ {Boisterous 
laughter.) I'-d give my very stomach if I were not pledged 
against thee, lad. 

Julie. — {Plunging hand into pocket thoughtlessly discovers 
wine. Bus. ) Art thou ? 

Baron. — {Frowning.) Aye — the three of us are pledged to 
the Province to vote the German interest. 

Julie. — Lord ! The State may have its interest if it gives me 
my principle — but to the Devil with business. I care no more 
than that for the title, so long as thou call me good fellow. {Eat- 
ing and drinking.) 

Baron. — Thank God ye care not, else it had touched me 
sadly, friend. Thou art my guest. 

Julie.— Aye, uninvited. 

Baron. — True ; but I did not know thee, {[ulie again thrusts 
hand into other pocket. Bus. ) 

Julie. — {Sententiously and eating absorbedly.) — Ye know me 
now. Let us eat. We hunt to morrow ? 

Baron. — That we do. One f^ir day, and I'm oif to Vienna 
to work thee harm. 

Julie. — Forget it, and care naught, as I do. Death to care ! 
{Rises swaggeringly and tosses horn to Karl.) If ye can drink no 
more, put it in thy pocket, Baron. 

BAKOi^i. — {Rises and tosses horn to Karl in same fashion.) 
Drink ! I'll put it in my gullet like thee, lad. I'm glad thou 
dost not care. {Karl approaches with wine.) 

25 



I' faith, I feel j^our 



]VL,ns..—{Ha If reeling and laughing.) 
wine — 

Baron. — Good ! Had ye drunk me down, I'd hang thee as 
well as rob thee. {As Julie takes hornfrofn Baro7i she suddenly 
points to Ehpeth at fire.) 

Jui,iE. — The girl's half asleep. Let's have done with her. 

Baron. — {As he calls to Elspeth Julie empties wine dow7i 
doublet. Bus.) Aye, girl, to bed. It is time for women and 
children to sleep. (Elspeth rises sleepily atid goes R. I. , looking 
at Julie, who throws open door for her, and laughs, while Baron 
leans on table. Elspeth makes coquettish gesture and says :) 
Pouf ! {Elspeth exits. ) 

^VT.iK.— {Julie starts toward table intoxicatedly, while Baron 
is watching her.) I — I feel the stuff here. {Hand to head.) But 
if — {lurches toward table) ye can still drink with me, friend, 
more rhenish— if ye cannot— 

Baron. — {Watching Jidie atnusedly.) Here, Karl, another. 
{Karl goes to tun. Julie reels into chair, assuming great intox- 
ication. ) 

JUI.IE.— I spoke too soon. Baron — your wine — 

Baron. — Thou shalt not lie down. Come, drink for drink, 
and if thou canst not stick a pig to-morrow, I'll pray God forgive 
me that I housed you to-night. 

Julie. — {Protesting foolishly. ) Nay— nay — Baron — hie. 

Baron. — {Taking wine from Karl and giving to Julie.) 
Death to Ovid and gluttonous Councillors— and their virtuous 
wives. {Julie wildly waves horn ajid spills ivine on the floor.) 

Julie. — I — might — have — passed thy wine — but not thy toast. 
Death — death— death — {Tipsily starts to drin^. Discovers 
wine spilled and thrown down horn with a drunken laugh. 
Dricnkenly sings): — "Of all the good fellows" — hie — {Baroji 
Joins him in a line of song. Julie suddenly pauses and drops 
head on elbow on table.) I care not — {Sings) "Of all the good 
fellows" — Eat, drink — forget — hie — my name — my fame — to 
the dogs — what, man — must I laugh at my own funeral? {Seems 
to awaken.) Eh? — What said I — ? {Laughs.) Nay, believe me 
not — I dreamed. I care naught, man — I care naught. 

Baron. — {Concerned.) V faith the poor fellow thinks upon 
his suit. It is hard a man may not prove his name, but go about 
the world a vagabond. I'll warrant he — 

Julie. — {Sings.) Who cares, not I. Do I not drink — do I 
not eat — do I not kill — do I not make love — to prove I do not 
care? What if a man may not prove he is a gentleman, and go a 
begging vagabond all his days — hie — (Sings.) 

Baron. — The lad uses himself thus to drown his troubles. 
{Rises excitedly.) Damn me! He is a Prince — I'll swear it. 
Would I were not pledged ! 

Julie. — More — more — 'tis the best comfort I've met in all 
my life — and I've sought for one since I woke a vagabond with- 
out a name. The Baron's wine — 'tis as good as his vote, I'll 
swear. 

Baron. (Stands apart atid back watching her. Sudden 
thought, speaks excitedly). What— he is my guest. One may 
not ill-treat a guest. {Pauses.) I'm pledged— but so are the 
other two — and, after all, the major vote decides his fate, 

26 



(Pauses.) Mine would not be missed — none would know which 
cast it. {Sudden determination.) 

Jui^iE.^What, must a man repine and die — because— hie — 
because he cannot prove his rights he learned at his mother's 
knee? 'Tis too long ago. Eat, drink, for — {Sings. Seems to 
lapse into stupor. Baron comes down and looks at her. ) 

Baron. — I'll stand by thee — and what thou learned of thy 
good name at thy mother's knee — it cannot serve thee much — the 
other two w411 kill thy hope — but thou art my guest. I'll— I'll 
cast my vote for thee. Thou shalt know one of the damned trio 
believed thy evidence — I do, by Heaven. I'll stand for thee. 
'Twill onl}'- be one vote. {Shakes Julie. Marvingt has fallen 
asleep by the fire.) Come, lad, 'tis late. Thou wilt hunt Avith 
me to-morrow, 'tis late. {Tries to rouse her. Julie sings.) 

Baron. — I would I had a better chamber for thee, lad. 

Jui^iE. — What — a perfumed pillow and sil — hie — ken sheet — 
hie. {Reels to fire and kicks saddle before it, iiearly falling.) A 
royal bed, a royal room. A — hie— soldier — a hie — to dream — 
{'Laughs half pathetically.) to dream. {He falls upofi floor by 
fire.) I am — a Prince. Ha — ha — ha — {Sobs.) 

Baron. — {Stands over her a moment, then draws cloak over 
her going up- to Karl.) Put out the lights, boy. {Karl puts out 
lights. Baron C. Karl goes back sleepily. Marvi7igt by fire, 
U., asleep.) 

JUI.IE. — {Muttering.) To dream I am a Prince. 

Baron. — I would that I could make thee one. {Goes to e7i- 
trance R. Turns and glances laughingly at Julie.) Unless thou 
canst not hunt. Shoot straight on the morrow, or I'll have none 
of thee. {Exits R. As Baron exits Julie slowly rises on elbow 
with eagerness and excitement. JMai vingt starts forwai d fully 
awake.) 

Jui<iE. — {Raises hilt of knife, which is inform of a cross, a?id 
kisses it.) Now, may all the saints teach me to kill a boar before 
morning. 

Marvingt. ^ — Lord ! Julie — lady — thy lies were most awful — 
thou hast not seen the Latin councillor — nor the frau Johanna — 
nor the — 

JuiviE. — {Sitting up and looking at Marvig7it interestedly. 
Nay, but what is that to the case ? Am I not making my Lord a 
Prince? The Baron hates the other two, and the other two hate 
each other. By railing at two I am certain to please one. And 
did thou not hear me stand for my country — and my Lord's—? 

Marvingt.— In truth thou didst frighten him well— he 
thought to be run through with thy sword. I could have taken 
thee in my arms for that — but — Julie — thou saidst some wicked 
things about me. 

JuwE. — What! Thou cared? Shame on thee, Marvingt — 
am I not making the Marquis a Prince ? What matter what I 
call thee ? I am ashamed of thee. 

Marvingt. — Aye, lady — But it is not I who am in love with 
the — {Great shouting and stamping without. Both woinen stop 
and look at the door, back, and the?t at each other. Julie motio7is 
Marvingt to silence.) 

JuwE. — Hush — sleep — sleep — look to thyself. Whatever 
comes do thou as I do. Sleep. {Dodges down on saddle, while 

27 



Mai-vingt assumes attitude of sleep. Noise becomes greater. 
Enter Karl 2d ent. R. , with torch and in night-cap, followed by 
Hans. Crosses stage back. ) 

Hans.— By all the fiends ! 

Karl. — Aye — 'tis midnight — now. (Looks at back.) 
Hans. — Well — well — we come. {Baron looks in R. 2, half 
undressed. ) 

Baron. — Hello there ! Damn the dogs ! {Dogs bark. Karl 
undoes door. Hans behind Karl. Herr Witthold stands in 
doorway wet and forlorn, with a servant behind htm. Witthold 
is a a very small, wizened itian. He wears upon his head, first, 
a pair of ear-muffs of fur, which are attached together over a 
bald head with elastic. On top of these he wears an elastic black 
wool cap, which fits snugly behind over his head and ears. 
Upon this he wears an i?nmense fur cap, which makes his face 
very small and his head imrnense, until he removes the cap. 
Upon his body he wears, first, his ordifiajy black clothing, then a 
sort of top coat, then a great fnr-lined ulster, and on that an im- 
7nense fur cape. This gives hirji the appear aiice of being iin im- 
mense man until the things are removed, whereupon he looks to 
weigh abotd 100 pounds, wrinkled, etc. He wears on his feet his 
shoes, then close wool stockings drawn to his shoe-tops, then 
fur-lined overshoes, making his feet large and unwieldy. Exag- 
gerrate this suggestion as much as will answer with an audience. 
Servant carries rugs afid shawls and looks overburdened. 
Servant and Witthold stand iii entrafice white Ha?ts and Karl 
step back in amazement so Baron can see them. Karl holds torch 
high above his head.) 

Baron.— Gods life ! Herr Witthold ! {De Treville starts up 
as if electrified, then quickly dodges down again unperceived, 
and assumes sleep.) 

W1TTH01.D. — {Assuming great cold and exhaustion. In the 
name of Pluvius — let me get to a fire. {To servant.) These rugs 
— my feet — I'm perished. Baron Hochsteim — your hospitality. 
{Comes to fire, while Baron Hans and Karl look paralyzed.) 

Kari,. — {Looking stupidly at Baron.) Yes — he's cold — 
N-O-W. 

Baron. — {Galvanic ally.) Lord, yes — to the fire — I'd warm 
the Latin poets on vSuch a night as this. Man, from where did 
you come? 

Witthold. — I am this moment from Vienna — that vulgar 
place of nobles who know not their mother tongue, let alone — 

Baron.— God save you man ! The Court's a fool, but 'tis 
thine own— so speak well of it. Get off thy riggings — if ye are 
pleased to stay so long as the time 'twill take. ( Walks curiously 
round Herr Witthold. Servant begins to remove Witthold's 
headgear. The action of undressing takes place during the dia- 
logue and should be made to nearly cover it. The Baron stands in 
a?nazement watching, aiid sofnetimes takes hold of the end of a 
tippet to assist, which he does gingerly, as if bewildered.) 

Witthold. — In these base days, if one could escape the hor- 
rors of the modern vulgar man. {Stumbles over Julie and recoils. 
Baro7i starts foi'ward with a gesttcre of warning and a manner of 
protection to Julie.) 

Baron. — Aye— no modern vulgarian can match the ancients, 
I'll grant thee that. But, God's life, man — be vulgar enough to 

28 



warm thyself at my modern fire, and not trample on my vulgar 
friend. {Stoops tenderly over Julie and takes her by the shoulder. 
Servant removes Witthold^s top coat, and Hans stands by with 
hands in pockets looking amused. Karl peers at Witt hold.) 

Karl.— There's his head— N-O-W-. 

W1TTH01.D. {Aside.) — The companions of his night's de- 
bauch. {Holds out arms stiffly as servant remotes clothing. 
Karl slyly pokes hii7i from behind, as if to see what he is like. 
Baron obsei'ves action.) 

Ba^o-^.— {Gruffly.) Off with ye. To bed, Hans! {Ha7is 
laughs cynically, and goes out R. 2. Karl crosses all of the time, 
looking back. Speaks at door.) 

Karl.— (yi^ top coat is removed.) He's opened — N-O-W. 
{ExitR. 2.) 

WiTTHOLD. — {Aloud.) The stench of modern wickedness in 
the nostrils — {Stumbles over Marvingt and recoils in horror. 
Baron staHs up angrily.) 

Baron.— Zounds, inan ! He who can stand the stinking 
morals of a dead Roman has lost his sense of smell for modern 
rottenness. Fall not over my guests, I warn thee — they have 
traveled far. {Aside to Julie.) Arouse thee, friend. {Still lean- 
ing over Julie and ofte?i looking up at Witt hold, who is having a 
rug put aboui his shoulders after cloak is removed. The wraps 
are in a ludicrous heap by the settle.) — They have traveled far and 
as men should,— «^^ in chaises. 

WiTTHOLD. — Well — well — I must endure thy hospitality for 
a night. {Baro7i rises from Julie and stares at Witthold in 
amazement.) 

Baron. — Lord, but the ancients taught little of politeness 
friend. 

Witthold. — But I need not tax thy company. {Takes dis- 
patch from pouch and holds it toward Baron, who withdraws 
from it. ). 

Baron. — Nay — sit ye — {Motions away paper.) I will give 
thee a bed, brother councillor — but hang me if I'll read thy 
manuscripts. {Anxiously bettds again over Julie and shakes her.) 
Rouse thee, my son. {Aside.) I may not serve thee overmuch, 
but I would not have this fellow see thee in thy cups — rouse thee ! 

Witt. — {Holding out paper and smiling sarcastically.) You 
read my manuscripts — pouf ! Learn first to read German, friend. 
I bring thee dispatches from Vienna — whither you must go this 
night. {Baro7i sudde7ily I'ises fro7n Jtdie and stares at Witthold.) 
Aye — this night, Baron Hochsteim. I volunteered to stop on my 
way since the matter is urgent. You are needed in Vienna, as 
fast as horses can convey thee. {Tuims to fire with 7nalicious 
satisfaction.) I'm sorry for thee — the night is bad — {sits 
and rubs hands with satisfaction while servant attacks his feet, 
which Witthold sticks out conspicuously.) 

Baron. — {Roars. ) I to Vienna ! — this night ! {Roar of stor7n 
without.) You here by my honest, plain, good-natured, modern 
fire — to warm your shins ! and — ( pauses in i7iability to speak for 
wi'ath.) Now may the fiends — 

Witt. — {Furred overshoes i'e7noved.) It_is'a foul, inclement 
night — 

Baron. — {Roars.) It's a damned fiendish night — 
29 



Witt. — {A'ot noticing Baron's rage.) But since French ad- 
venturers are filled ^vith ambitions to become Princes, good Ger- 
man councillors must work together for their defeat. {Slightly 
kicks Julie with toe surreptitiously .) 

Baron. — {Guarding Julie) Have a care. Keep your large 
and classic feet within bounds. So it is on this business of the 
Marquis I am called ? 

Witt. — ( f^/^// coinplacency.) Upon the business of this 
charlatan. 

Baron. — If aught could tempt me to do my dut}- on a night 
like this, it is this business. 

Witt. — {Servant begins to re^nove his woolen outside stock- 
ings.) I commend thy zeal, councillor. Go ! Finish the undoing 
of the barbarian. 

Baron. — {Bewildered.) But I understand it not. We three 
men are pledged to vote against him and for the province of 
Wurtemburg; what more is wanted of me in Vienna till the time 
comes to mulct this poor fellow and vote him an impostor — ? 

Witt.— What! What! "Mulct him?" "Poor fellow?" 
This is treason, Baron Hochsteim. Who more ready than thou 
to throw out the claim a month ago? Have a care, Baron, that 
your recall to Vienna does not so disturb you that you turn 
traitor. 

Baron. — {Scene becomes quicker and Baron more excited.) 
Traitor I I tell you the misuse of this gallant fellow is infamous. 
Traitor ! Have a care, Herr W^itthold, how you use the term to a 
loyal German. I am no traitor to wish fair play. I tell you we 
do wrong when we cheat this gallant gentleman. 

Witt.— You are mad, councillor ! A vulgar, brawling, lech- 
erous cheat. 

Baron. — I tell you — 

W^iTT. — I say he is. Your word is given. What, defend a man 
who knows not a scholar from a tapster, or a fastidious man from 
a follower of bawds ? I counsel you to say no more lest your 
voice be heard in Vienna. {Relapses into righteous silence.) 

Baron. — {Angrily, aside.) Right! My defence would do 
more harm than my enmity, with such as you. {To Julie.) Come, 
dear lad. Rouse thee, I say. God's life ! It is hard that I may 
not serve thee. One vote shall be cast for thee. Thou must lose 
— but shall not stand alone. {Getting Julie up^Julie acts drunken. 
Baron keeps between Julie and Witthold, who speaks aside to 
servant who puts robe about his Jeet. ) 

Jui«iE. — {Assuming drunkenness.) Hie — Baron, I think — 

Baron. — Think not, lad — think not. An honest man may 
not think — when men of learning are about. Think not — get thee 
to bed. {At door with Julie. Looks back at Witthold and speaks 
angrily and loud.) If ye were not alone — here in the forest — and 
in my castle — I'd carve thee for that word about loyalty, coun- 
cillor. {Calls off.) Hans, get me a horse — I'm off for Vienna. 

Hans. — {Without R.) Aj-e, Baron. {Exit Baron, and Hans 
enters R. 2d past him, and then goes up and looks out back, while 
door closes behind Baron.) 

Witt. — {Looks aiixiously at servant.) I'd sooner rest^me in 
a den of thieves. 



Servant.— I do not biame thee, Master Witthold. Didst 
hear his words as he left the room ? 

Witt. — h.y^— {Looks fearfully about. ) The words of a wicked 
man and a barbarian. 

vServant. — I seem to feel a horror in my very bones, Herr 
Witthold. Dost think the place quite safe ? 

Witt. — {Starting anxiously and trying to appear u7icon- 
cerned.) — Aye — aye — 'tis vulgar, but I doubt not safe enough. 
The Baron's councillor of state — but such villainy as this — {Slyly 
pokes Marvingt with toe.) No matter — the Baron himself — will 
presently be gone, then we may take our ease. Pugh ! It smells 
of beer. 

Servant. — {Looking covertly about.) It is a cold night. 
Master — and I doubt not we might find — 

WiTT.^ — Have I not taught thee to abhor such rottenness. 
The inebriety of — 

Servant. — Aye, Master, but there was Bacchus — 

Witt. — Bacchus was a god. When mortal man gets drunk — 
it's different. Warm thyself at the fire. {Conversation carried 
on in a low and apprehensive tone. ) 

Baron. — {Shouting from without.) Hans, my horse ! {En- 
ters R. prepared for riding.) Art warm, councillor? There is to 
drink. {I\/otioni?ig to tun.) Say not I am a churl in hospitality, 
and I am not scholar enough to treat my guest with rudeness. 
I'm off. Warm thyself — only do not disturb my guest or his 
servant. Both are tired. {Looks at Marvingt.) Poor fellow. 
{Enter Hans, back.) Hans, look to the comfort of this spent fel- 
low. See thou that my guest above is well. Councillor, we have 
no chamber for thee— I trust the fire will do thee good. {Exits 
angrily back. Hans calls after him.) 

Hans.— May I not help thee, Master? 

Baron. — {From without.) Get thee to bed. 

Hans. — Aye,. Master. {Goes to fire and stirs it, looking 
moodily at men. Goes to Marvi?igt and shakes her. Unable to 
rouse her.) Well, sleep there. If they trouble thee, slit their 
throats. {Scowls at Witthold, who is frowning at him. Servant 
overhears Hans and starts. Exit Hans R. Servant starts up.) 

Servant. — Master Witthold ! I heard the fellow threaten — 
It is a strange place — 

Witt. — {Irritably.^ What dost thou mean ? There's naught 
to harm us, man. 

Ser. — No, but I'm glad I'm not alone. There are strange 
things said of the Baron, are there not? 

Witt. — {Pointing to Marvingt.) S-s-h ! Aye — but though 
he is innocent, he is of noble ancestry, and — stop thy croaking — 
cut-throats are not of such as he — I think. He is vulgar — 
{Something falls outside, ajtd both men start as though overcome 
with fear.) Eh ? What was I saying? 

Ser. — The storm grows. Master. I wish we were on the road 
— ar— 

Witt. — Fool— in the storm — what is to fear ? {Door slowly 
opens, and fulie stands in entrance R. in black gown arid pale 
face, with finger on lips. Servant sees her over Witthold' s 
shoulder. Witthold sees Servant's look of horror and turns as if 
apalled with fear, half rising .) 

31 • # 



Julie.— Hush ! Guard thy very breath— {Points to Mar- 
vingt, then comes cautiously to fire.) 

Witt. — What mean you? {Servant greatly agitated draws 
7iear to Witt hold. ) 

Julie. — Fly — I warn thee — thy precious life — 

Witt. — I do not understand thee, friend. Speak! {Julie 
staring at Witthold as if i7i a trance.) 

Julie. — I forget to protect thee in beholding thee. Thy 
name is Witthold — the great scholar — Fly ! 

Witt. — Aye — I am a great scholar — but — 

Julie. — {Pointing to Marvi?tgt.) Hush ! Not so loud. 
There lies one of the cut-throats in drunken sleep. 

Witt. — Why man — who would think — 

Julie. — I w-ould save thee if I could. {Suddenly throws her- 
self at Witthold' s feet in paroxysm of passion. Indicates real feel- 
ing, si7ice so inuch is at stake.) Master — since my childhood I 
have learned of thee from thy great books — of thy great wisdom. 
I am poor and weak, yet plead with thee for that which means 
my life. 

Witt. — {Looks anxiously arouttd.) Yes — yes— speak. What 
great thing would you have of me ? 

Julie. — {Long pause. Julie overcome with the situation. 
Speaks in changed tone. Suppressed passion instead of excite- 
ment as before.) I ask — {long pause) to save thy life. 

Witt. — My life in danger — here — in the Baron Hochsteim's 
castle ? I cannot believe — 

Ser. — {Frightened.) Believe, master — believe — {Marvingt 
makes a rough sou?td and rolls over in her sleep. Witthold looks 
slightly apprehensive. Julie starts.) 

Julie. — Great master — I must tell thee to convince thee. 
Listen, and have a care of the fellow' at thy feet. I sought this 
Baron's hospitality at dusk. He granted me a place at his fire 
and then withdrew. His manner pleased me not, but I knew him 
for a vulgar man ( Witthold signifies assent) and no scholar. I 
sat me here — as you sit — by the fire. There was no living crea- 
ture near. I fell to musing upon the — the glories of an ancient 
time — when — on a sudden — I heard a sound to chill the blood and 
cause a dead heart to beat. There — above {poititing above), I 
heard a rush of feet, a fall, a mighty groan, as if a heart had been 
plucked out. I stopped my ears wdth horror. But presently 
there fell upon my sense a muffled sound, as if soft flesh were 
beat. 

Witt.— Horrible ! 

Julie. — Then all was still. The Baron descended and passed 
without. The moans above grew faint, and I, all a sweat with 
horror, crept stealthily above. And there— upon the floor — my 
eyes beheld a sight to make a soldier blanch. I saw — 

Witt. — You saw — ? 

Julie. — 1 saw — tied to a post — obit — {Pause. Suddetily 
Witthold looks up in siirprise, which slightly batiishes his ap- 
pearance of horror — ) 

Witt.— Post obit— 



Julie. — {Impassively.) Tied to a post- 
flesh so torn 'twould make assassins weep. 

32 



-obit — a wretch with 



Witt. — Jupiter ! 

Julie. — {Aside.) God, put some Latin on my tongue. 

Ser. — Master — ^Master— my blood freezes— 

Julie. — There lay the girl — 

Witt.— A female—? 

Julie. — Aye— there lay the girl— sic —sic— transit gloria — 
mundi — {Pauses. Looks straight ahead, and suddenly eyes 
Witt hold, who looks puzzled, a7id then half nods, as if the?'e must 
be some hidden mcanins: in the words.) A piteous sight, her flesh 
a mass of wounds. Ich dien— and honi soit que mal y pense. 
{Sudden and tragic eiidino-. as Marvingt rolls over again ivith a 
dreadful sound, and Witt hold starts and seems bewildered, con- 
fused and frightened.) 

Ser.^C Witthold starts getting wraps toi^ether in great alarm, 
while fulie assists.) Haste— haste ! In the name of — ! 

Julie.— The Marquis de Treville. {Stands face front, aicait- 
zng effect ubon Witthold. Witthold starts and looks in bewilder- 
ment at Julie. ) 

Witt. — {Turns in amazement and stares at her.) What — 
what — thy name — the Marquis de Treville ? 

JULTE. — {Hurriedly turns and' takes scarf to wrap Witthold.) 
Thy tippet— {Tries to wind it about Witthold.) 

Witt. — {More amazed.) De Treville? The Marquis de Tre- 
ville? I will not believe it. 

Julie — It is no great matter, great Master — only let me save 
thee. 

Witt. — {Mechanically trying to help himself, pausing now 
and then to look at Julie.)' De Treville ? Thou? The French 
trifler, the shameless cheat and fool who scoffs at learning — 
Thou ? 

]v'L.i'E. — {Breathlessly.) What thou wilt — so that I save thy 
life. 

Ser. — Haste, Master — this good young man is an angel, be 
he French or German. 

Witt. — He — the French scoundrel ! Ah, youth, thou hast 
wrenched my shoulder, {fulie has been putting on sleeve of his 
coat, and at the words ''French scotindreP' has lurenched Witthold 
involuntarily. ) 

Julie. — Forgive — I'm awkward (pause) for fear of thy life. 

Witt. — This youth — this gentle fellow — a French cheat — 

JVJ.iF..— {Sudden gesture of abandon, aside, turning front.) 
And now, my Lord, forgive me all that I do in thy dear name ! 
{Turns wildly to Witthold. Speaks luith burst of passion.)' \ 
blame thee not. If my countrymen are as abhored by thee as by 
me — I blame thee not for hating me. Haste — only haste. 

Witt. — But to leave thee in such cut-throat hands — 

Julie.— I HAVE NAUGHT TO LOSE. 

VJiTJ:.— {Suddenly pauses and regards Julie.) Thou shalt 
have — if I leave this place alive — so far as one man can serve 
thee. Thou hast saved my life — 

Julie. — I ask naught. Haste — haste — 

Witt. — {Being uiged ojf by servant, while Julie stands with 
clasped hands tryin:; to control herself.) I WILL REMEMBER 

33 



THEE. I will remember thee, lad, though I cannot save thee — 
for this service to-night — and because thou art not what I 
thought. 

Ser. — {Getting Witt hold to door, back. Julie still facing 
front.) Go, go, Master. 

Julie.— Go— THY LIFE IS DEARER TO ME THIS 
NIGHT THAN MY OWN BLOOD. {All spoken with intensity 
and double meaning.) 

Witt.— I will remember. {Servant throws open door, back^ 
and all start back with fright as the storm bursts in fiercely. Mar. 
shows the timid shrinking of a woman and hides her face in hands. 
Pause, and Servant half claps shut the door, showing that it re- 
quires strength to hold it against the wind.) 

Ser.— Master ! Master ! 

Witt. — {Fearfully.) It is a fearful night. The storm grows. 

Ser. — A night for murder — and death. 

Witt. — {Looks anxiously ana inquiringly at Julie.) There is 
strength in numbers, Marquis de Treville. {Julie involuntarily 
shrinks back to7vard Matvingt, who makes a sudden gesture of 
protest.) 

MarvingT, — {Apart to Julie.) Julie — Lady, thy frail body— 

Witt. — I fear to venture — 

Marvingt. — Thy frail body — {Marvingt throivs herself 
upon fiilie, who instantly puts her aside.) 

Julie. — Holds the heart of the Marquis de Treville. {To 
Ser.) Open ! {Servant instantly opens door, storm rushes in, 
Julie throws arm before face, lowers head and rushes off, follozued 
quickly by all as curtain falls.) 

(QUICK CURTAIN.) 



I 



^ 



34 



ACT IIL 

CHARACTERvS. 

JOHANN EISNER. 

HERR WITTHOLD. 

BARON HOCHSTEIM. 

CLERK OF COUNCIL. 

SER VANT OF HERR WITTHOLD. 

THE COURTIERS OF FIRST ACT. 

PAGE. 

GERMAN COURTIERS. 

MARQUIS DE TREVILLE. 

JOHANNA EISNER. 

PRINCESS DU VALLON. 

MARVINGT. • {Still as Page.) 

LADY JULIE.* {First as Marquis de Treville, then as Julie.) 

Time : Afternoon — two weeks later. 

Pi^ACE : Private chamber of Councillor Eisner at Vienna 
Palace. 

SCENE : 

A set of book-shehes extendinf^ from tniddle of wall space at back 
nearly to the L corner of stage. Curtains in front of shelves. A large 
zuindow occupying the other half of stage ^ back. Handsome draperies. 
Tall clock on floor at L. U. Small door at L. 2. Long table L. C, 
covered ivith a magnificent velvet cover. Drawers in both ends of 
table. Table empty. Great chair for Eisner at R. end back of 
table. The chair has 7vide arms^ and in one of them is a little cupboard. 
WidCy curtained entrance centre of R. Chairs at L. end of table and one 
slightly front, mar centre. Over book-shelves at back are old fashioned 
arms and armor. The clock is filled with broken bits of bread and imp- 
kins. The drawers of table full of papers at R. end, and soiled knives 
and forks at the other end. Behind the curtains of the book-shelves are 
bottles of wine, china service and silver, things of all kinds to eat. In 
the arm of Eisner's chair are a fezu little bundles of papers. On a little 
table at the L. end of Eisner s chair are decanters 07id a plate. 



Eisner. — {Without Z. , speaking in fat and stuffy tones.) 
Ivook in the little compartment. Bring the papers here, 

C1.ERK.— (£"///<?;'5 L. and pauses in doorway; looks abotct.) 
Since I am new in office, Herr Eisner, I am unfamiliar with your 
chambers, and — 

Eisner. — {Quertdously without.) Under the lid, under the 
lid, man. 

C1.ERK. — {Advances into room and looks aboid him hesitat- 
ingly. Goes to table L and feels about for drawers. Finds 
drawers and throws up cloth and opens drawer. Pulls out in gin- 

35 



gcrly fashion a heap of crumpled napkins, sctne forks and half a 
pii\ Piles thinirs en table.) Humph! I am no housekeeper, but 
these things — 

EivSNER.— (/vw;/ wilhout.) Well, well, good fellow, will 
you find the papers ? 

Clerk. —Er— presently, Councillor. Since I am as yet un- 
familiar— {Suddenly thinks cf other end of table a7id darts to it. 
opens drawer and takes out many papers in confusion.) Ah ! I 
have them. 

Eisner. — r Without.) Ah ! 

Q.\.^^YL.— {Pauses as he crosses sta^i^r looking at papers. ) Er — 
{Reading— disconcerted.) These be not the ones. {Reading.) 
Recipe for truffles in jelly — {Drops some papers, then hastily 
stoops to pick them up. Hustles to drawer.) Nay, these are 
recipes for puddings. 

'EiSNnK.—( Without.) Put 'em back, put 'em back, I say! 
They be for my wufe to try her hand at. Must a gouty man be 
plagued like this? Get the papers. 

Clerk. — {fn wild confusion.) Yes, yes, Herr Councillor. I 
am as yet unfamil — {Turns about distraught.) 

Eisner.— ( Without.) Under the lid — under the lid. 

Clerk. — {Suddenly sees clock and rushes to it.) It were 
strange to keep his papers here— yet it has a lid: {Opens clock, 
and knives and forks drop out upon him, and bits of stale bread. 
Clerk starts back.) God bless me ! But — 

Eisner. — {Without.) Ye have broken my dishes. Leave 
the place alone. I tell ye — under the lid. 

Clerk. — {Clutching his hair frantically.) Yes, yes, Coun- 
cillor— but each lid conceals a larder I — {Suddenly observes 
bookshelves and rushes to them. Throws back curtaiiis and ex- 
poses contents. Clerk clasps hands and shouts— ) AH! 

'EisisZR.— {Appears in doorway L., with foot swathed in 
bandages and limping upon crutches. Sees condition of room — 
shouts — ) What! Man, are ye crazy? (.S'^'^'^ papers at end of 
table.) My recipes ! MY RECIPES ! The recipe for the choc- 
olate pudding. Find me my recipe for the chocolate pudding ! 

Clerk. — {On knees, looking among papers.) Yes, yes, Herr 
Councillor. 

Eisner. — {Wildly looking through papers.) The chocolate 
pudding ! Man, it had its origin in Charlemagne's time. Every 
chef of note from then till now has added to its excellence. I 
gave a castle in Bohemia for that bit of paper. To lose me my 
recipe — 

Clerk.— (/^r(9;// knees, reading bit of paper.) You said 
chocolate, Herr Councillor ? 



Eisner. —{Breathlessly .\ 
Clerk. — A pudding — 



Aye —well — well- 



Eisner. — {Snatches paper and si?iks into chair.) My recipe 
— it is my recipe ! {Becomes absorbed in it. ) Yes, yes — 3'ou must 
have a care how you go about my chambers. {Clerk looks rue- 
fully about the room. ) After the eggs have been disguised by two 
bay leaves— add then the sugar — sugar — and set to simmer — 

Clerk. — If vou will tell me where the little lid — 



36 



Eisner. — Eh ? The little lid— the official papers— why here, 
man. {Opens lid i7i chair arm, disclosiu'r a queer looking little 
bunch of papers.) 

Cr^ERK. — {Draws out papers and turns tiiein curiously over. ) 
All ! I'll know where to look for the business of the Court again. 
[Stands with papers in hxnd.) Shall I place them on the table? 

Eisner. — {Still abstracted and absorbed in recipe. Looks 
up.) Eh? Yes, yes. {Motions towards table.) Er— read them. 
Read them aloud, and I'll attend. {Again absorbed in recipe.) 

Clerk. — {Surprised, but reads paper aloud.) In the case of 
the State of Wurtemburg against the French — 

Eisner. — Yes, yes. I remember now'. It is the case of the 
Marquis de Treville. {Waves papers away.) Ye need not read 
them.. I know the case — or rather it matters not. 'Tis settled. 
I'm pledged to the Province. Faith, I would have given him his 
titles and estates for the good his countr3'men have done for such 
as me. {Waving papers aside.) Why, that recipe was original 
with a French gentleman of Charlemagne's time, my good — 

CivERK. — Ah, yes, Herr Councillor — then since you know the 
case before the Council to-day, you need no further service? 

Eisner. — {Groaning and carefully putting away recipe un- 
der lid.) Service? Yes — yes— till my wife comes, Herr Clerk. 
I beg you, in mercy, to stay near me and move that foot a little. 
• Clerk arraiiges foot carefully on cushions, while Eisner groans.) 
Ah ! And now, if you will be so kind as to bring me the re- 
mainder of that pasty — {Poijitijt^ to plate which he deposited 
on L. e7id of table when he entered. Clerk brings plate, regard- 
ing Eisner wotidenngly all the ti^ne. Eisner takes plate zvith 
satisfaction and places it in his lap. Reaches for decanter and 
finds himself unable to pour wine.) If you will — {Clerk more 
wonderingly pours wine.) Nay — nay, from the red one. x\ cool 
and sparkling draught, with a pasty such as this— Man, I must 
teach thee to eat. The last clerk — Ah ! There was an appre- 
ciative fellow. He knew the difference between a sauce's velvet 
texture and — Why, man, for five years the last clerk — 

Ci^ERK. — Herr Councillor, you mean the clerk that has died 
but now? 

Eisner. — Yes, yes— 'twas he. A fine— {Mysteriously.?} I'll 
tell y^— {Pointing to bookshelves.) Behind that little— {Enters 
fohajuta excitedly R. A71 austere wotnan with hair combed 
sleekly back. Wears black bonnet and veil. Hand bag stuffed 
full. Precise in manner and haughty. Clerk looks at fohanna 
with amazemoit, while Eisner turns at so U7id of entrance irritably, 
till he sees who enters, then mamier becomes eager and pleased. 
Reaches toward Johatina excitedly.) Johanna, my love. Ever 
faithful woman, give me ihy bag. Thou hast brought the — 
{fohanna loaves Eisner off impatiently . and motions Clerk ma- 
jestically to withdraw. Clerk looks at Eisner for orders.) Go — 
go— man. Did not the Frau Johanna tell ye ? {Manner queru- 
lous. Turfis again hastily to fohanna, who has advanced and 
stands severely R.) Thy hand bag, good wife. 

Johanna. — Clerk, I tell thee — go. 

Clerk. — I go, I go Madame. {To Eisner.) Shall I — ? 

Eisner. — One moment, my Johanna. {To Clerk.) I forgot 
to tell ye — I am too ill to join the Council in the chamber. Ask of 
the two gentlemen that they convene here in my private room, 

37 



in pity. Since I cannot leave here {pointing to fool), request 
that they extend to me that kindness I am so often obliged to 
ask. {Clerk bows atid exits, looking i?i amazement at Johanna 
and Eisner. Johanna sta?ids as when she entered till Clerk has 
gone. Clerk exits L.) And now, my love, thy bag. 

Johanna. — Never — never — ! Till ye have avenged the in- 
sult to my honor. 

Eisner — Thy honor? Who has been so rash as to tamper 
with THY honor, Johanna? {Irritably.) Come— come- Johanna, 
thy honor's safe. Do not treat me so. Thy hand bag — {Reaches 
for it.) 

Johanna. — {Handing him note 7najestically.) Safe? My 
honor safe ? Read that, gourmand, and say then if my honor's 
safe. {Eisner takes note wonder ingly while looking at Johanna.) 

Eisner. — Why, woman, one would think thy spotless' honor 
thy grievance. {Unfolds note and reads irritably.) Well, well, 
what has this to do with thy hand bag or my truffles ? Come — 
come. 

Johanna. — {Throws hand bag on table beyond Eisner's 
reach.) What? It is so you treat this insult ? {Snatching note, 
which Eisner gives up helplessly and bewildered}) 

Eisner. — There's naught in the note. A plain, decent tri- 
bute to thy greatness and virtue. 

Johanna. — The man who wrote that knows not the meaning 
of virtue. 

Eisner. — {Reaching for note again more irritably.) Well, 
well, give it me again. Perhaps I did not read it carefully 
enough {Reads aloud.) "To the wise and virtuous Lady Jo- 
hanna I present my respectful devotion and — ' ' 

Johanna. — Well, fool— and what think ye of that ? 

Eisner.— (y^<9r^ irritated.) I think well. 

Johanna. — {Screamijig.) Respectful devotion! Ye think 
well, eh? 

Eisner.— What, woman? Would ye have him present his 
devotion without respect? There, there— ye make me hot. Thy 
bag. {Reaches out for bag. J ohafin a snatches it and puts it fur- 
ther from him.) 

Johanna.— Monster! If ye will not guard the virtue of thy 
wife, trust her to do it. {Reads aloud.) " I have sought thee, 
great lady, in the cause of goodness and " — see how he cloaks his 
base, French purposes in Godly terms. 

Eisner. — {Has fallen back in cushion helplessly — now sits 
alert.) Eh? French? The name— ? 

Johanna. — De Treville. That wicked slayer of woman's 
virtue. And to assail an honest woman thus — 

Eisner. — Thus, woman. He has not assailed thee — he has 
called thee virtuous. What would ye have ? 

Johanna.— That he should not call me at all. Me— an hon- 
est German wife. He is a wicked, French fellow. 

Eisner.— Wicked? Eh? Did I not give my castle in Bohe- 
mia for a receipt of his — 

Johanna. — And I doubt not ye would give your wife, mon- 
ster. 

38 



Eisner. — (Groans and falls back aino7ig the cushions.) Jo- 
hanna, what do you want, woman ? The man has done ye no 
harm. ASvSail thy virtue ! Woman iexasperatedly), look in that 
glass and prove thy fears absurd. { Johantia snatches off veil and 
looks in mirror above book shelves. ) 

Johanna. — What ! Wretch ! Ye insult me— me, who have 
studied your comfort as if — 

Eisner. — Woman, woman. None shall call thee aught but a 
good wife in my presence. Believe me, thy great virtue— it is so 
sensitive, so — ( Wheedling Johanna, who so/tens and reaches 
for bag. Eisner observes her action and reflects his hope in his 
face. Johanna sees the expectation in his face and again with- 
draws bag.) Kiss me, dear wife, and be certain I will guard thy 
virtue as if — as if — it were a chocolate pudding. (Johanna falls 
upon hint, and he shows anxiety for his foot, and submits with bus- 
iness of trying to reach bag over her shoulder.) 

Johanna. — Ye are a fine, good man, and shall have the best 
the place affords at dinner, this night. But I must be revenged — 
Promise me ye will avenge me, Johann. Turn the scurvy rascal 
out. Send him home as he has come — beggared and — 

Eisner. — {Sighing.) Ah, he is not beggared who sits at 
tables where French cooks prevail, wife — But I'll beggar him as 
best a German Councillor with honest purpose can. Be sure of 
that. I'll avenge thee. {Johanna smiles upon hi7n, while she 
languishes and hands him bag, which Eisner greedily opens, and 
then becomes lost in contemplation of its conte7its. Deposits 
things under the little lid, tastes crumbs on his fingers^ etc. Jo- 
hanna rises. Enter Page R. ) 

Page. — The Marquis de Treville, Councillor Eisner. He 
would enter to see the Lady Councillor, Johanna. 

Eisner. — {Licking fingers absorbedly.) Um — the frau — let 
him — 

Johanna. — (Excitedly snatchi^ig bag from him.) What, 
wretch ! Would ye let him into my presence ? 

Eisner.— What harm will ye do him — er — he do ye, Johanna 
— dear wife — ? 

Page — He says he will come in to see the lady if all Vienna 
be against him. 

Johanna. — {More and more excited.) Ye hear that ? {Eisner 
helpless in maimer.) I tell ye, Johann, he shall come in. It 
is time to teach a French monster what German wives are like — 
and husbands, too. He shall see me defended. {Excitedly to 
Page.) Go, tell him he shall enter and have audience with the 
Lady Johanna — when I ring for ye show him in. ( IVaves hand 
excitedly and Page exits R. Turns wildly to Johann.) Now, Jo- 
hann ye shall show him what a good wife means to men in Ger- 
many. Get up. 

Eisner. — {Appalled and frightened.) Get up? Johanna, 
what would ye ? I am a sick man — 

Johanna.— ( Voice like thtmder.) Get up ! I'll spare ye that 
which makes ye sick if ye do not mind. 

Eisner. — {Nearly weeping.) Johanna, Johanna — threats to 
me? I tell ye— ^ Oh, Lord ! Don't hustle me thus — I — 

Johanna. — {Poking him to get him out of chair.) Get up. 
Get up. (Rushes back to book-shelves and snatches arms from 
wall, and brings them down to Eisner.) Now — {Shoves weapoits 

39 



into Eisner's hands. Eisner stands holding; arms in bewildered 
manner.) 

'Eis-SUR.—C IVeepin^.) Woman — woman — what am I to do 
with these ? 

Johanna.— Defend the virtue of thy wife. 

Eisner — (yAs Johanna shoves and bundles him toward front 
of table. ; Woman — woman — 

Johanna. — Hide thyself. Lose not a moment. 

^iSi<iEi^.— {Trying lustily to resist.) No — ye are mad. I 
get mj-self beneath tliat table? I'll starve first, I tell ye. 

Johanna. — Then ye shall starve. Shall he see me flouted by 
the man I've fed for twenty years — Ye SHALL starve, 
monster ! 

Eisner. — {IVring-ino- his hands.) OH! Johanna, Johanna 
— have mercy! I'm a sick man. {Holds oiU arms helplessly.) 
My foot — I cannot get me beneath the table with these. 

Johanna. — Choose, wretch ! Under that table — or I feed ye 
no more. 

EiSNER.~( W>^//<//)/.) I can't ! I can't ! 'Twill kill me— 

Johanna. — {Eisner yields helplessly. Johanna hustles him 
under the table with arms, and pokes him out of sight.) When I 
cr}^ out shoot him in the legs. 'Twill disable him. Then come 
and shoot him in the arms. 'Twill disable him more. Then — 

Eisner. — {Smothered, from beiieath the table.) My foot — 
my foot ! Woman, would ye have me kill the man because he 
calls ye virtuous? {Johanna places the great chair before her, 
and collects all the other chairs in the room to make a barricade, 
and finally stands behind it, at the table and facing R. E.) Call a 
wicked woman good — and she'll die for a man. 

Johanna. — (Fz>rr(?/y.) What knowj'^" of wicked women ? 

Eisner. — Naught — naught. Except things go by contraries'. 
Oh, I must get out, Johanna ! {Joha7in.i rings bell fiercely, and 
assuming dreadful expression looks tozvard R. E. Flatter Page. ) 

Johanna.— Unloose the Frenchman. {Page steps aside, and 
Julie stands in e7itrance with eyes shyly cast down. She is dressed 
in a jnodest suit of black velvet, with elegant lace rufiies and col- 
lar, like a girl. Hair goldeji and upon her shoulders. Ma?tJier 
elegant, modest and adoring towards Johan7ia. Marvingt enters 
just behind Julie, dressed to correspond with Julie's inetamor- 
phosis. MarvingVs appearance is laughable. She is fat, and has 
the appearance of being stufi'ed iiito her black suit, and her curling 
hair makes her look like aft inanimate creature — a jointed doll. 
Manner foreign and uncomfortable. Stands a little up stage, just 
behind Julie . Eisner sticlis his head from under the table, frotit, 
when he notices the pause which follows the entrance of Julie, and 
looks at Julie and Marvingt. Manner first angry, then sui'- 
firised, then suppresses mirth. A complete change of expressio)i 
on Johanna's face after she beholds Julie. Julie stands with 
plume of hat sweeping the floor, bowijtg with liand on heart. Does 
not hok at Johajina, but casts down eyes as if overcome zvith shy- 
7iess.) AH ! 

Julie. — Noble lady— {Pause.) 

Johanna.— Hem ! 

40 



Jur.iK. — { Advancing a step a7id raisino- head, luith eyes still 
east down. Has not yet looked up at JoJuuina.) I come to thee a 
suppliant. {J^o/janna tries to recover from her surprise, and be- 
trays grow i7ig interest ifi yulie.) 

Johanna.— Hem ! 

Julie. — {hi attitude of eagerness, betiding foriuard, hat still 
siveeping floor and hand still on heart. Eyes still cast down.) I 
Iviiow not how to begin. I first sought thee at thy home. 
{Pauses.) 

]OTi\^^A.— (Long pause.) Hem ! 

Julie. — I — could not find thee -I followed thy lovely pres- 
ence here. 

Johanna. — {Aside.) He dare not raise his eyes. {Involim- 
tarily moves chair from in front of her.) I — I— am willing to lis- 
ten, youth. {Glances about at fortifications and toward table 
where Eisner is concealed.) 

Julie. — ( Warmly.) From my youth I have heard of thy jus- 
tice and glowing virtue — I understand it now — I — I — {bus.) feel 
it — glow. {Bus.forfohanna of embarrassment and pleasure.) 

Johanna. — Proceed, young man. 

Julie. — {Advancing still near e?^, but never raising her eyes.) 
That good Councillor, thy poor, misguided husband — {fohanna 
shakes lur head commiseratingly but acquiescently.) —all know 
him as a man of kindness— but — of wax. Of wax compared with 
thy great strength of — will and — virtue, {fohanna tries to look 
iinconcertied, but shows great elation and removes the chair from 
before her, while Eisner ruefully and in amazement shoves his 
head out front and again tries to see the scene. As fulie hears 
the chair removed she starts forward and looks fohanna in the 
face, and appears carried away ivith emotion, fohanna slightly 
withdraws fro?n his extended hand and glances under table.) 
Nay — I will not presume to touch thy hand — I dare not hope to 
touch that hand — {fohanna suddenly thrusts hand upon her, as 
though she fears fulie will keep her word, fulie grasps hand en- 
thusiastically.) 

Johanna. — Modest youth — {Eisner has bus. cf amazement 
from under the table, fulie hesitates with emotion and starts for- 
ward.) Who is the — thy companion? {Indicating Marvingt.) 

Julie. — {Jfarviiigt has stood absolutely motionless and like a 
stuffed doll — still stands so.) He is my protector. {Marvingt, 
with a perfectly mechatiical 7novement, side steps to fulie' s side to 
protect her.) 

Johanna, — {Becomijig more elated.) Thy — thy — protector 
— I — I — can understand ye, good youth — 

Julie. — {With burst of feeling.) How blest am I^ — Who 
before has understood me ? It is the destiny of a man like me to 
be misunderstood — 

Johanna. — {Becoming more elated.) Er— sit. {Another 
galvanic movement on part of fulie, who motions fohanna to sit 
first, then Marvingt side steps to her side. foha?ina looks inquir- 
ingly at Mar-vingt and fulie, afid fulie motions Mai^ingt to step 
back. Marvi7igt steps back, and fulie again motiojis fohanna to 
sit.) 

Julie. — After majesty — and virtue. {They sit.) My name 
and business are known to thee, just lady. I can appeal to thee, 
but not to the warlike Baron Hochsteim — 

41 



Johanna.— (5/^rzV/^/«^.) Ah! Hochsteim. Do not speak that 
dreadful name to me. 

JULIE- — Nay — nay — madame — 'Tis not for ears like thine 
to hear. The Councillor Herr Witthold — {Johanna raises 
hands and shrieks. ) 

Johanna. — Witthold ! He who talks of ancient men and 
\vomen whom it were pollution for — 

JuwE. — Ears like thine to hear. I cannot plead my cause 
with such as these, lady— and so I came to thee. 

Johanna. — {Growing elated.) No — no— thy innocent youth 
could not face such — 

\v\,Y^. —{Rising enthusiastically.) Ah, madame— in truth 
thou canst understand me. 

Johanna. — {With great elation.) I have done thee great 
wrong, gracious youth. I will make amends. Hochsteim— ^ 
Witthold — humph ! Ye have done well to come to me. I will 
protect thy innocent youth and see thou are not unsupported. 
Come — come with me. {Marvingt shows anxiety to protect 
Julie. Starting to go — ) I will see thee cared for and — {Loud 
laugh from beneath the table, fulie starts, and Johanna nearly 
falls. Shows great confusion.) What— what ! {Drags Eisner 
out. Eisner nearly suffocated and holding arms.) Listening — ? 

Eisner. — {Nearly dying of laughter and gout, and falling 
into great chair.) Where am I to shoot him next, Johanna — 
Where am I — ? {Gives way io paroxysm of laughter aJid gout.) 

JOHANNA.^ — Silence— or I will poison ye, bold man. {To 
fulie, who stands watching in amazenie7it. Speaks pitiably.) 
Now see, good youth, to what a virtuous wife may be subjected — 
and treat thine own with respect. 

Eisner. — If I shoot him in the legs — 

Johanna. — (Screaming.) Thy jealousy — Oh ! To what 
depths can man sink ? To suspect the virtue of a wife like me — 
To hide — rascal ! {Eisner suddenly straightens face and looks 
dumbfounded .) 

Eisner, — Johanna — ! 

Johanna. — Silence ! {Hurrying fulie off R.) Insult me 
more, and I'll show ye what a wife may do to defend herself — 

Eisner. — Nay — nay — Johanna, I — 

Johanna. — {With awful dignity.) It is well. To be de- 
meaned before this youth I NOW, I say, thy vote SHAIvL be 
cast for him. 

^isi<i^^.— {Protesting.) Johanna— my vote is for the Prov- 
ince. 'Tis pledged I'd give the French youth my vote for 
aught I care — but I may not — 

Johanna. — Thy vote— it shall be his— 

Eisner.— Be reasonable, woman — {Bus. of great anxiety 
and watchfulness on part of fulie, who stands near R. E., a 
little up. ) 

Johanna. — Ye were reasonable in your suspicion. .Thj'vote 
I say — or I'll see thy gullet and thy gout in pickle before I'll 
serve ye more. 

Eisner. — {Groans helplessly and looks at Julie.) I'm 
pledged with the others — 

Julie. — {Advancing a little.) Great Councillor — lam loath 
to be the cause of thy disturbance, but if I may point a wa}- to 

42 



please the virtuous frau, Johanna, without hurt to thee—? Naught 
but unanimous agreement, can save my honor. Two are pledged 
with thee. Then thy one vote cannot harm the Province — and 
none will know who cast it. No matter for myself — but for this 
lovely lady — (Bows low to Joha?ina.) 

Johanna. — {Determinedly.) He shall stand by ye, youth. 

Eisner. — {Groans.) Well, well. I do not k no \\^ that it can 
harm the case. I'll please ye, Johanna — if ye will forget — 

Johanna.— (Zi?/7?"/y.) I'll do a virtuous duty by ye. But no 
more suspicion, monster. Thy vote is ours. {Turns to Julie and 
gives hand. Julie kisses hand lingerino;ly.) Come, dear youth. 
We will return presently to behold how Johann has done his 
dut}'. In the meantime, to atone for— for — his suspicions of thee 
— we'll to our house and have refreshment. Come ! {Julie takes 
Johanna's hand modestly but admiringly, and goes toivard R. E.) 

JUI.IE. — Noble woman ! {At door Eisner looking at them 
helplessly and at arms by his side. ) 

Johanna. — {Eroin efitra?ice.) Do not fail me, Johann— or ye 
shall suffer. {Eisner groans. Julie, after much bowing, exits 
with Johanna. Marvi7igt follows. Pause, while Eisner looks 
after them, as if dazed, and then at the arms beside him. Rings 
bell. Eftter Clerk L.; comes to table. Eisner speaks weakly.) 
Remove these arms, Herr Clerk. I — I— sometimes think of sui- 
cide. {Clerk takes up ar7ns and goes back ivith them, looking 
furtively at Eisner. Replaces arms above shelves and tur?is to 
Eisner. ) 

CI.ERK. — Councillors Herr Witthold and Baron Hochsteim 
are within, and they will attend you here. 

Eisner. — {Trying to recover himself.) Oh, Lord ! Well, 
well ; go shut that clock and make the place official, and tell them 
I thank them, and — 

CivERK. —Yes, Herr Councillor. {Arranging clock and re- 
placing papers in drawer. ) 

Eisner. — {Watching helplessly.) I'll repay thee for these 
little attentions to a sick man. Clerk. When we get to know each 
other — my little dinners — 

Clerk.— Ah ! They were partaken of by the clerk that died. 
I — I — will notify the Councillors that ye are ready. {Bows and 
exits L. Eisner groaning and moving his leg. ) 

Eisner.— Oh, Johanna !— if ye were Councillor— the Court 
would sit but once, good wife. {Groans, and Clerk reenters car- 
rying ballot box, a7id followed by Witthold, who wears a mantle 
as if cold, and his servant is behind him with a rug and chauvc- 
pied. Servant places chauve-pied beneath Witthold' s feet, as he 
sits in the chair just in front of the table at L., and then takes his 
place behind Witthold's chair. Hochsteim precedes ]Vitthold, 
breezily, and goes to Eisner, as Clerk places ballot box on table 
and withdraivs again to L.) 

HocH. — Ah, Eisner— more wine and song? {Pointing to 
Eisner' s foot .) 

Eisner. — {Groa?ting.) No song, Baron, no song. {Groa7is 
agai7i.) 

Witt. — {Hoi-rified.) When modern man indulges vulgar 
appetite — 

Baron H.— He's punished enough, friend Councillor, with- 
out a preachment on ancient follies. Come ! Come ! To the 

43 



business in hand, then Herr Eisner to his excellent wife's pates, 
and I back to my forests, my dogs, and what I love ! To work ! 
{Entei' Clerk again L. with bundle of papers, which he places on 
table. The papers ate immediaiely'picked up by Baron, who has 
stood a little dow7i stage.) These be the papers in the case of 
the French Marquis, eh? {Turning papers over gingerly.) 

Witt. — {Stealthily glanciJig at both EisJier and Baro?i.) The 
French adventurer. 

EiSMER. — Well, so he be French — he doubtless eats good 
dinners. 

Baron. — (GV;'/^ is fussing with little slips of paper back at 
table.) Aye, and if he live an adventurer— it is our fault. So 
curse yourself, Witthold. 

Witt.— Eh? {Angrily.) What have I to do with it? For 
treasonable utterances. Baron Hochsteim — 

Baron. — {Advances upon Witthold threateningly.) Well, 
well, the rest—? What is in your classic mind, man? 

Eisner. — {Irritably trying to stop quarrel.) To the business, 
friends — And let me get to my home. Clerk, are the ballots 
prepared ? 

Clerk. — When the Herr Councillors are ready, Herr Eisner. 
(Baron has stamped angrily to table and been ha^ided a slip of 
paper by Clerk. ) 

Baron.— Ah, here's to do the Province a turn ! 

Witt. — Be sure 3'ou do it no ill turn. Baron Hochsteim. 
(Withdraws into wraps, while Clerk hands him slip, which he 
barely reaches for.) 

Baron. — {Turns on him wi-ath fully.) I'll turn ye into a 
colder Councillor than ye are if — 

Eisner. — {Fretfully.) Brothers, brothers, let us dispatch 
the business, that we may the sooner dispatch our dinners. 
{Takes slip from Clerk and groa?ts.) 

Baron. — Ah ! {Goes to wall by door R., looks at Eisner and 
Witthold to see if they can observe what he writes from such a 
distance. Places his paper against the wall to write upon it. 
Speaks aside.) Here goes for thee, lad. Little chance hast thou 
Avith that old glutton and the classic ruin there. ( Writes laboredly. 
After he has completed the work, looks at it critically, and then at 
the other Councillors contemptuously. Sta^nps to ballot box.) 

Eisner. — {Starts to write. Pauses and looks irritably at R. 
K., then writes on arm of chair.) Oh, woman, woman ! 

Witt. — {Taking notebook from pocket and placins:: slip on it 
for conveniejice.) They'll wince — when they find they haVe it 
not all their own way. {Speaks malevoletitly. Writes slip and 
leans over to place it in box. As Witthold deposits his vote Baron 
has arrived at table from R. C. , where he has stood C07itemplat- 
ing his paper, and has started to place paper i7i box. Draws back 
as he nearly encounters Witthold, who smiles at him wickedly. 
Baron deposits his vote with a haughty toss of his head, and 
touching his sword as if to challenge. Eisner just finishes writ- 
ing, and groaning as business between other men is finished. 
Eis7ier unable to reach box. Clerk shoves box tozvard him. Eis- 
ner deposits vote with indifference, and beco?nes immediately ab- 
sorbed in his own troubles. ) 

L.ofC. 44 



Baron. — Now open the coffin, Herr Clerk, and find the dam- 
age done to the wicked Frenchman. Then I'm off to honester 
pursuits. ( Waves hand impatiently and stamps up R. Looks out 
of broad window as if to interest himself with other things. ) 

Eisner. — Read, Herr Clerk, then to dinner. 

CivERK. — {Standing behind table.) The first ballot declares 
for the Marquis de Treville. The Prince of Wurtemburg — by one 
vote. {Baron at window turns slightly, with a look of boyish 
pleasure and maliciousfiess upon his face, and looks keenly toward 
the others. Nods his head shortly. Witthold raises his head a 
little and nods maliciously and grins at Hochsteim, then retires 
behind 7nuffle7's. Eisner nods two or three times piggishly as if 
duty luas done. None of the ynen suspect each other, nor expect 
their several emotions to be observed by each other. ) 

Baron. — {Trying not to laugh.) Humph ! Somebody is 
treasonable. Eh, Herr Witthold? {Frowns fiercely and mock- 
ingly upon Witthold, as Witthold grins.) 

Witt.— Humph ! 

Clerk.— The second ballot declares for— the MARQUIS DE 
TREVILLE. {Baron starts forivard as if electrified, and Eisfter 
looks up piggishly as if a little surprised. Witthold raises head 
again i7i much, surprise and bewilderment, and with a cutining 
expression peers at Baron. Hold picture as long as possible.) 
The Prince of Wurtemberg by majority. {Clerk takes out last 
ballot.) The third ballot declares for— THE MARQUIS DE 
TREVILLE. {Baron cries out and bounds down stage to table. 
Witthold leans foi'i.uard, grasping arms of chair, aiid forgets to 
keep wrappings about hiinself. Eisner lea?ts forward with only 
half -aroused look, half gri7ining, zvholly puzzled. Each man 
acts after his characteristic fashion. The Baron inti-epidly and 
nervously, Eisner sluggishly and selfishly, and Witthold keenly 
and maliciously. ) 

Baron.— PRINCE OF WURTEMBURG UNANIMOUSLY ! 
{Each looks at the other. Suddenly Baron breaks into a lon^, 
boisterous and mocking laugh.) Well, well, Herr Witthold, I had 
not thought ve had so much blood in your veins. Where now is 
treason to the German State? {Laughs.) PRINCE— PRINCE 
of Wurtemburg ! M}- French Marquis ! {Shouts with hysterical 
happiness.) And he will fit the title to a T. My dear, royster- 
ing, merry guest ! Here's to thee, in more of my good rhenish ! 
{Goes through motioji of drinking to Prince) 

Witt. — {Rising.) Your roystering, merry guest? A poor, 
browbeaten youth — who saved my life in your cutthroat castle — 

Baron. — {Clapping hand quickly to sword and turning vic- 
iously on Witthold.) What — ye scamp — ? 

Eisner. — {Groaning.) Gentlemen — gentlemen ! Brothers 
have a care. Remember your high office. Who cares a straw 
after all if he be Prince or peasant. 

Baron. — I' faith, I suspect he does. 

Eisner. — Well, well, I know not how it came about — but 
now 'tis done and we'll to dinner. {Attempts to rise and groans. ) 

Baron. — True — and now 'tis done, naught can undo it. My 
splendid lad — 

Witt. — {Risitig majestically and trailing his wraps about 
him.) A poor, ill-used lad — gentle and full of classic lore — 

45 



Baron. — What? Ye lie, ye ancient fool! Call my brave 
Prince full of classic lore and I'll spit ye. He was full of my 
good German wine. As — full as a Prince. 

Witt. — (Starting toward Baron. Scene becomes very fast and 
excitable.) You call me a liar—? I say poor, unhappy fellow. 

Baron. — {Rushes at Witt hold, who gets behind his chair in 
self defence. Barott shouts zvildly.) As drunk and full of heart 
as — 

Eisner. — (Shouiinq; and groaning.) Men, I tell ye ye are 
both wrong. {Baron and IVztthold turn madly upon Eisner, who 
snatches tip ballot box to defend himself.) ^ 

Baron. — What say ye ? 

Eisner. — {Shouting from behi?td chair and box.) Wrong, 
wrong, I say — 

Baron. — What! Was he not my guest? Did I not see — 
with my own e}- es — ? 

Witt. — {Advancing upon Eisner. Both men approach him 
threateniftgly, and Eisner tries zuildly to make a statid with the 
box.) And I with mine. 

Eisner. — Ye are both mad— All are mad — To the Devil 
with this Frenchman ! First Johanna — then — 

Baron. — Who dares dispute me I'll — {Noise without A^, 
which mejt within are too excited to notice. Noise without grows 
greater, voices expostulate, and door is finally burst open, re- 
vealing the Marquis de Treville of France — the real Marquis, 
ivho rushes in as guards try to impede him. Pauses in entrance, 
and all 07i the stage turn, breathless zvith their own wrangling, 
and face him.) 

MKKQVis.^Pauses.) JULIE! Julie de Soubise ! {Looks 
inquiringly around at jnen, and Witthold draws back slightly as 
if frightened. Eisner half raises ballot box and stands on guard. 
Baron stares at Marquis, who is breathless with his struggle 
without and with excitement. Advances into room to R. C.) 
Julie de Soubise ! 

Eisner. — {Groatis wildly and lets box fall with a crash.) 
Take him away — Take the madman out — Oh, Johanna— 

Marquis. — {Louder. Striding up to Baron, who has stood 
staring, at him.) Julie de Soubise, I say. 

Baron.— Devils ! 

Page. — {From door, where great crowd is gathered aboid. 
Among crowd may be seen de Guiche, Delacroix, Metiere, etc., 
who now and then make an effort to advance and are kept oid by 
officials. ) We could not force him back, Herr Councillors — and 
here be more who would have entered. {Crowd restraining 
slight action 07i the part of Del., etc., to enter.) 

Marquis. — {Turns wildly.) I'll kill ! {Crowd draws back. 
Marquis turns instantly to Baron.) Give me the Lady Julie, 
or — 

Baron. — {Roaring a?igiily) What have I to do jwith thy 
jade — ? 

Marouis.— (A^z^^-^^.y upon Baron, who draws to resist attack. 
All at door rush forward and pull the Marquis off. Marquis 
falls back, partly overcome, and stands wildly glaring at Baron. ) 
Liar ! She was in thy castle. I have traced her no farther. Tell 
me where she is, or — 

46 



Baron. — At my castle—? Ye fool ! A woman at my castle 
— a woman beside the jade Elspeth— ? Take off the madman. 
{ Concerted action toward Marquis. Del. and others of the first 
act have pushed in when the croivd sought to restrain Marquis^ 
and they sta7id, wonderingly but threateningly, near the Marquis, 
and look questioningly at the Baron.) 

MAiiQUis.—( Frantically turns upon crowd, which falls back.) 
Now I warn thee. Confess what you have done to Julie de Sou- 
bise, or I will cut out your heart, and, taking it home to France, 
will feed it piecemeal to my dogs. 

Baron.^ — By God ! I like thee! Tell me the name of him 
M'ho would cut out my heart before we kill each other. ( The de- 
meanor of both me7i is that of suppressed fury ; they have grown 
much calmer, and are preparing for fight. The Baron has mo- 
tioned the crowd back, and the Marquis has motioned Del. and 
the other French genii onen, zvho have crowded about him, to fall 
back and give him and the Baron room.) 

Marouis.^ — (^Dropping point of sword ati instant to ground.) 
My name is— the Marquis de Treville. {Instaiitly up with sword 
to begin play. Baron shouts. IVitthold and Eisner look wildly 
at each other, and Eisner falls prostrate in chair, paralyzed and 
helpless with astonishment. IVitthold nearly collapses and throws 
off more wrappings. Baro?i lowers sivord, 'which compels Mar- 
quis to pause.) Fight — fool! Fight, cutthroat! Fool! Fight, 
knave ! Fight, miserable — 

Baron. — {Roaring.) Fight the Marquis de Treville — 
never— so help me God ! Fight the Marquis de Treville. ( Turns 
to Eisner and IVitthold in a daze, with hand to brow. Motions 
to Marquis, who stands in amaze.) 

Witl.— (Advancing a trifle.) Ye are no Marquis de Tre- 
ville— 

Marquis. — {Turning 07i him.) Eh? It is my name, fel- 
low, or ye are a dead man. 

Witt.— Aye — aye — it is thy name — 

Eisner. — Man — de Treville is not your name. Have I not 
seen — 

Marquis. — ( Wildly preparing to fight — looks about fran- 
tically atid desperately.) Good! Then 'tis not my name. But 
in the name of him who loves Julie de Soubise, whom ye have 
slain, or hid, or loved, I'll kill— some one of ye — all. FIRST. 
{Rushes in a paroxysm of rage at Baron, who begins to fight. 
As Baron and Marquis begin to fight zvith skill and determina- 
tion the crowd beco?nes all attentiott, and after a mome?it du Val- 
loji is seen trying to enter. Princess du Vallou is restrained 
from enterijig by de Guiche. At the saine time fohanita pushes 
through crowd, which falls back as soon as she motions it aside. 
The page cries out at sight of her. fohaiina is followed by Julie 
still in man' s di^ess, and not observing the French company, ivhich 
is all within the entrance. ) 

Page. — {Fearfully to Johanna, aiid dragging at her goivn.) 
Oh, frau Eisner — 

Johanna. — {Tidumphaittly within entrance, holdi^ig Julie 
by hand. Julie enters with curiosity , followed by Marvingt, but 
with expressio7i of happiness a7id unsuspiciously. At sight of 
Julie all the French conipany cry out. ) 

47 



AivL. — Ah ! {Julie suddenly perceives the company. Pause. 
Men cease to fight at cry of cornpany and turn upon Julie. Julie 
puts hand to heart, reels, clutches at Johanfta's gown, and falls 
back half uncojiscio us ajid half hidden by Johan7ia. As Baron 
turns, and Julie reels, he cries out :) 

Baron.— The Marquis de Treville ! {Pointing to Julie.) 

Marquis. — {Half recoils involuntarily.) JULIE ! '(Julie 
hidden and nearly unconscious by side of Johanna. Johanna looks 
upon the conipaiiy as ij resenting their madness, and still holds 
Julie's hand.) 

Johanna. — {With asperity.) Well, good sirs ! 

Witt. — {Advancing a little zuonderingly.) Aye — the Mar- 
quis de Treville ! 

Johanna. — Aye — the Marquis de Treville— and what of 
that? He accompanies me to learn the outcome of the vote taken 
here to-day — Johann ? 

JOHANN. — {Nearly hysterical.) Oh, woman — woman! 
{Johajtna looks from one to the other angrily. Margins de 7re- 
ville stares at Marvin gt and fulie as if nearly distraught. The 
company motionless and watchitig. ) 

Johanna. — {Growing more angry.) Well, are ye all daft — ? 

Marquis. — JULIE! {Thows himself toward Jidie and tries 
to drag her to her feet. Julie shrinks closer to Johanna and keeps 
her face hidden. Marquis rises zuhen he finds she resists atid looks 
dazedly at all. F'rench company turn afid speak apart and look 
at Julie ivonderingly. Men presently smile, and du Vallon stands 
forzcard a Utile f^om the others^ gathering up her gown loftily.) 

Marvingt. — {Takes off wig mechanically, and her appear- 
ance is dignified and her nxanner earnest. Keeps in crowd.) 

Du Vai^lon, — Come, gentlemen, since you know not 
whether you are here to defend a woman or a man. {Pointing to 
Julie, who is inotionless.) Let a woman lead you hence. {As du 
Vallon speaks Marquis turns nervously and suddenly toward her, 
and all ticr7i toward each 07ie who speaks or makes the slightest 
action, as they should do when so expectant and overstrained.) 

Marvingt. — {Loudly.) Such deeds of love as Julie de Sou- 
bise has done leave no question of her sex, madame — she is a 
woman — every inch a woman. {Julie sfi rings to Marvingt and 
throws hei^self into her arms zvith face hidden. Marvingt stands 
with Julie pressed to her, and regarding company scornfully. 
Company turn to each other.) 

Baron. — By Heaven ! I believe I see— {Clapping hand to 
forehead, turns to Marquis.) Man, ye are the Marquis de Tre- 
ville ? {Marquis turns head mechanically and looks at Baroji, 
but does not answer. ) Ye are the Marquis de Treville — and he — 
{pointing to Jidie) — she — er — the lad — er — girl there — was at my 
castle, feigning— er— AH ! {To Marquis uproariously.) Man— 
you know not what the girl has done for ye. To her — 

Marouis., — {Hand to head.) I — know — not — what— she — 
has — done — forme. I care not — since — I have her back. Julie — 
{Marvingt tries to thrust her toward the Marquis, and Jidie gets 
ittto Johanna's arms. Johanna hardly knows what to do with 
her, but is subdued by the sitication.) 

48 



Du Vai,i,on. — What, gentlemen ! Will you let me witness a 
shameless scene like this? {Marquis forcibly takes Julie in his 
arms, Julie all of the time passive. Marquis and Julie C. Mar- 
quis's attitude toward the company 07ie of helplessness to shield^ 
yet he is defiant. When du Vallon speaks he places his hand on 
Jtdie's head as if to shield her. Marvingt hastily turns to lady of 
Gernii^n Court beside her and speaks in dumb show. Lady re- 
moves magnificent black velvet mantle and gives it earnestly to 
Marvini^t. As Baron speaks Marvingt places mantle about Julie, 
who at once assumes elegant, well-gowned and femijiine appear- 
ance. MaJitle is girdled and appropriate.) 

Baron. — {Protesting to du Vallon.) Nay, lady — she's as 
good a fellow as lives. Has she not slept in my castle, and stood 
up to my wine, and — {Marquis, holding Julie's face upofi his 
shoulder, tries to stop Baroji, with gesture.) 

Du Vai^LON. — {Enraged.) Enough! Must I not only see- 
my sex debased by such as she, but listen to the boasts of her 
foul companions in debauchery ? 

Baron.— The Devil ! 

Marouis. — {As du Vallon turns haughtily and mockingly to 
go.) Stay ! Adventurer though these men have made me {mo- 
tionijig toward Councillors)^ I am a Frenchman. I do not know 
what she has done, but my life upon her goodness. {To Julie.) 
I have naught to offer thee. I am outlaw^ed by these men. My 
wife may have no honorable place. I cannot shield thee from 
{looking contemptuously at company) such nobility as this— but I 
can love thee, love thee, love thee. {As Marquis speaks Julie 
throws her arms about him sobbing. Du Vallon pauses at R. E., 
and looks at Julie contemptuously.) 

Eisner. — But — but— if ye are the Marquis de Treville — w^ere 
— er — 

Baron. — Ah ! 

Johanna. — He has one vote— answer me that, Johann. 

Baron. — (Shouting.) One? Woman, he is Prince. {Com- 
pany starts back. Marquis looks at Baron, trying to understand 
what he has said. Julie turns with clasped hands to Marvingt. 
who reflects Julie^ s joy. Company turns to each other in con- 
fusion. Julie urges Marvingt off R., while Marvingt tries to 
stay her. Marquis speaks monotonously when he speaks.) 

De Guiche. — {Sneeringly.) Ah, then the poor girl has lost 
again — 

Marouis. — ( Turns to de Guiche, vainly trying' to uftderstand 
the situation, then turns to Baron. Voice subdued.) Prince? 
( Very loud. ) PRINCE ? 

Baron. — {Overrome with joy and anxiety:) The girl goes — 
{Pointing to Julie who is near R. E., while Marvingt is trying 
to slay her. ) 

Marquis. — {Breaking through crowd, luho give way for 
him.) Julie — Julie de Soubise. {Takes her fiercely in arms and 
takes her C. ) And I had naught to give thee. {Addressiiig com- 
pany.) Aye, she has lost again. {To de Guiche.) Thy venom — 
for 'my sword. THE PRINCESS, ETC., de— etc., etc., etc. 
{All crowd about C. luith cries of enthusiasm and good zvill.) 

(curtain.) 



49 



^WG.^^^ 



1902 






1 



"fSiiilL 

^^^02 276 7 A| 



